Obituary
Eleanor Margaret Johnson, 80, of Portland, Oregon, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on March 15, 1945, in Boston, Massachusetts, Eleanor was the beloved daughter of Thomas and Catherine Sullivan. Eleanor dedicated her life to education, serving as an elementary school teacher for over 40 years. Her passion for nurturing young minds touched the lives of countless students who remember her warmth, patience, and unwavering belief in their potential. She received the District Teacher of Excellence award three times and was known for her innovative teaching methods and dedication to literacy. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Eleanor found her greatest joy in family gatherings, Sunday dinners, and creating lasting memories with those she loved. She married her high school sweetheart, James Johnson, in 1967, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Eleanor was an avid gardener, known throughout her neighborhood for her stunning rose garden. She was an active member of St. Mary's Parish for over 50 years, where she volunteered with the food bank and taught Sunday school. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she lived it through acts of kindness and service to others. She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, James Johnson; her children, Michael Johnson (Sarah) of Seattle, Jennifer Thompson (David) of Portland, and Robert Johnson (Lisa) of San Francisco; her eight grandchildren: Emily, Matthew, Sophie, Daniel, Grace, Nathan, Olivia, and Jacob; and her sister, Margaret Sullivan of Boston. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Thomas Sullivan Jr. Eleanor will be remembered for her gentle spirit, infectious laugh, her legendary chocolate chip cookies, and her ability to make everyone feel special. Her legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to making the world a better place will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.