Susanne Johnson

Susanne M. Johnson, 60, Bellwood passed away Sunday morning July 14, 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born March 19, 1959 in Altoona daughter of the late Joseph A. and Mary Cecelia (Ropp) Whiteford. On May 12, 1979, she married David E. Johnson at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona. Surviving are her devoted husband of 40 years; two sons, Scott D. (Lee) of Pinecroft and Todd C. (Lisa) of State College; two grandchildren, Julia Cecile and Eric Scott; three brothers, Joseph W. (Sherrell), Robert J. (Barbara) and Thomas E. (Jolane) all of Bellwood; three nephews; three great nephews and a great niece; her mother in law, Shirley Wilkinson of Altoona; a brother in law, Dean W. Johnson of Bellwood; and many extended family members. Sue was a 1977 graduate of Bellwood Antis High School and a graduate of Altoona Beauty School. She obtained her cosmetology license in October 1978 and in January 1979 she opened Sue Whiteford’s Beauty Shop in Bellwood operating for 40 years. She was a dedicated member of St. Joseph Catholic Church Bellwood where she served as Eucharistic minister and in various other church activities. Sue’s commitment to the Bellwood Antis community was endless. Amongst many other noteworthy organizations, she was a life member of Excelsior Fire Co. No. 1 Bellwood and the Bellwood Antis Community Picnic where she served many years as president. She served on the Bellwood Borough Council, Bellwood Antis Council of Churches, and Bellwood Antis Park and Recreation Authority. Sue volunteered her time to Bellwood Antis High School assisting with the annual musical productions. She was an organizer of the food drive for the community Christmas basket program and the Soup Sampling and Basket Raffle event held after the annual Bellwood Christmas parades. Her giving nature and compassion for others, that was instilled by her parents, was evident in all that she did. In 2013, Sue was the recipient of the WISE Women of Blair County Community Service Volunteer Award. She enjoyed knitting, traveling and camping. Her greatest joy in life was her family especially the precious time spent with her grandchildren, Julia and Eric. Friends will be received from 1 to 8pm Thursday, July 18, 2019 at Jon C. Russin Funeral Home, Inc Bellwood where a vigil for the deceased will also be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10am Friday, July 19, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Bellwood, concelebrated by Rev. Alan Thomas and Rev. David Whiteford. Committal will be at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Sinking Valley. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions in Sue’s memory be made to Bellwood Antis Council of Churches P.O. Box 135 Bellwood, Pa. 16617, so her legacy of helping others continues