Patricia O. Johnson

Patricia O. Johnson, age 81, of Norwich, NY, passed away at her home on October 20, 2022 after a brief illness. She was a second-grade teacher for 32 years at Stanford J. Gibson Primary School in Norwich where she touched the lives of countless students with her humor, positivity, and dedication.

Born on July 11, 1941, in Buffalo, NY, Pat was the daughter of Francis and Jeannie (Szczupakowski) Ostrzynski. She graduated from D’Youville University with a bachelors in education in 1964. On July 22, 1967, Pat married Dr. Norman Johnson, her husband of 55 years. They soon moved to Norwich, NY to begin their lives together, Norm as a chemist at Norwich Eaton and Pat beginning her lifelong contribution to the Norwich community as a teacher. The couple dedicated themselves to their three children, giving them wonderful experiences and opportunities. Pat had a passion for cooking and loved sharing meals with loved ones. In retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her husband, adventures to the casino with friends, visiting her sister, and celebrating the holidays with her family. Pat also adopted and cared for several loyal dogs, which brought her so much happiness. She was an active member of the Chenango Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and a communicant of St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church for over 50 years.

In addition to her husband, Pat is survived by her children, Deborah (Eli) Crossman, of Sandy Hook, CT, Christopher (Amy Klein) Johnson, of Bethesda, MD, and Pamela (Neil) Napolitano, of Boxborough, MA; grandchildren, Grant and Alexander Crossman, Magdalena and Bryn Johnson and Ethan and Evelyn Napolitano; and sister Carolyn Ostrzynski of Tonawanda, NY.

Pat lived her life with a generous and joyous spirit. She had an infectious laughter that could light up the darkest room. Her endless love of family, friends, community, and dogs will always be remembered.

A memorial Mass for Pat will be held at St. Paul’s Church on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation in Pat’s memory can be made to the Chenango SPCA, 6160 County Road 32, Norwich NY 13815.