Arlene Mae Johnson, “Peep”, 59, of Waldoboro, passed away peacefully Dec. 23 at her home with her loving family by her side.
Arlene was born on June 13, 1955 in Rockland, the daughter of Jesse and Winona (Miller) Johnson. Arlene grew up in Waldoboro and with the help of her tutor Marilyn Bean she attended a special education school in Camden.
Arlene was a blessing to her family and brought a bright shining light into their lives. She loved to watch Elvis movies, and play with all of her toys, and if you wanted to get on her good side bringing a notebook and a pen would quickly make you best friends, as long as the pen was red. Arlene loved to draw and write in her notebooks, and could always be heard saying “Thumbs Up Man!” around the house with joy. Arlene loved to boogie and could be found moving and shaking to the tunes of her favorite Elvis Presley. In the summer Arlene loved going to the fairs, riding the rides and playing games. Her favorite rides were the Merry Go Round and the Ferris Wheel.
Arlene loved Christmas and Santa made a special visit to Arlene’s house on Sunday bringing with him a special red blanket and a new stuffed toy. Arlene loved the holidays and everything they meant. She loved going for rides to look at the lights from all the various neighborhoods and was always amazed as at the beauty they possessed.
Arlene loved giving hugs and big wet kisses and delighted in holding new babies. Her favorite meal was grilled cheese and a glass of strawberry milk and Arlene was never one to turn down ice cream.
Arlene was a miracle and a fighter who beat the odds. She outlived all expectations. When she was born, doctors told her parents she would only live until the age of five, when she reached five they told her she wouldn’t make it to 18. But, with a loving and devoted mother who dedicated her life to her disabled daughter, she made it to 59 and a half.
She was predeceased by her father Jesse Johnson; brother, Douglas “Dougie” Johnson; and niece, Crystalle Johnson.
Survivors include her mother Winona Johnson of Waldoboro; brothers, Robert Johnson Sr. of Waldoboro, and Paul Johnson of Waldoboro; sister, Marie Johnson Pierce and husband Arthur Pierce III of Phippsburg; nephews, Justin Johnson of Minnesota, Robert Johnson Jr. of Minnesota, and Larry Reed and companion Amanda Miller of Waldoboro; aunts, Brenda Jackson and husband Ronald, Sylvia Hart and husband David, Janet Cunningham, Eva McLain, Ruth Higgins, and Dolly Goff and husband Dick; as well as many cousins, extended family members, and friends.
A time of visitation will be held from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Sat., Dec. 27 at Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro, with a celebration of life to follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Bob Dorr officiating.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home, Waldoboro.
