Obituary of Carolyn S. Johnson

Carolyn Sutherland Johnson, age 81, of Penn Yan, NY passed away Sunday, June 2nd, 2024 at the Penn Yan Manor Nursing Home in Penn Yan, NY. She was born November 25, 1942, in Corning, NY, the daughter of the late Wheldon and Lillian Sutherland of Branchport, NY. She graduated from Penn Yan Academy, Class of 1961. Carolyn was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Walter "Mac" Johnson in 2017. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Jacquelyn Johnson and their children, Zachary and his fiancée Tiffany Monroe, Alexander, and great granddaughter Emersyn; her son, Jeffrey Johnson and his fiancée Lindsay Johnson; sisters, Sylvia Thayer and Donna Lou Vincent; and several nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. She and her husband Walter owned and operated the Plaza Bakery in Penn Yan, NY from 1967 until it was sold in 1978. After the sale of the bakery, she worked at the Penn Yan Central School District in various substitute positions for over 30 years. Carolyn has been a member of the Elks and Moose Clubs for many years and in retirement she was very active with local volunteer organizations including Pro Action. She was the treasurer for PYA class of 1961 and kept in close contact with her classmates throughout her life and organized all of their class reunions. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Penn Yan, NY all of her adult life, serving for some time as a deacon and participating in many volunteer activities. She was instrumental in the committees for several of the Church Cookbooks, providing drawings and family recipes for each chapter. She also loved contributing and filling the Backpacks To-Go program, as well as boxes for deployed military personnel in the Penn Yan Community. In her spare time Carolyn often visited with friends and relatives, taking joy in bringing them treats and decorations for different times of year. She always thought of people and would give them a call. She could often be found at Keuka Lake in the summer, having bonfires and cookouts, boating and swimming. She and Mac enjoyed several trips to Cape Cod in their retirement years. Her favorite part of the trip was always Whale Watches. She will be fondly remembered by all for her friendly smiles and waves, whistling while she worked, and always having time to say "Hello". Friends and family may call from 1 to 2 pm on June 22nd, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church of Penn Yan, 211 Main St., Penn Yan, NY. A memorial service celebrating Carolyn's life will follow at 2 pm at the Church.