Longtime Mariposa resident Susan Johnson passed away peacefully at home on April 17, 2026, on her own terms.
She was born on June 24, 1940.
Susan was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Johnson, who died in 2019. Together, they shared a long marriage, were deeply involved in the Mariposa community and gave much of themselves to the town they called home.
They called their residence on Ben Hur Road “Golden View,” a fitting name for a property overlooking the Sierra foothills. It was a place for many social gatherings, and Susan spent peaceful hours on the back porch watching the animals, birds and sunsets.
She especially appreciated the way Mariposa honored its history and cared for one another like a big, supportive family.
Susan had a lifelong connection to horses and grew up on a farm on the California coast. Dogs were always part of her life. She was deeply supportive of her family and their successes, and she passionately called herself “Grandma.”
Susan and Carl were adventurers. They camped along the West Coast and made several trips to Europe to visit family. At Golden View, Susan tended her garden and found joy in creating, growing and nurturing the people and places around her.
In 1994, Susan started Mariposa Lutheran Preschool, where she taught for 10 years and earned two Teacher of the Year awards. She enjoyed running into former students at High Country and Pioneer Market and was always proud to hear about their lives and accomplishments.
Susan also owned and operated Susan Stitches, a sewing business in the Mariposa area, for 12 years. She was highly involved with Mountain Crisis Services for more than 20 years and was a member of Oakhurst Lutheran Church.
She is survived by her son, Eric Johnson and his daughter, Grace; her daughter, Karen Barker and her husband, Ken, and their daughters, Michelle and Alyssa.
A private service was held with family on the back porch at Golden View, where Susan enjoyed many sunsets.
Donations may be made to Mountain Crisis Services, P.O. Box 2075, Mariposa, CA 95338.
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