Susan Elizabeth (Santosuosso) Johnson, 92, passed away on January 2, 2023, after a long bout with Alzheimer’s disease. She is predeceased by her husband Richard, her son Leroy Johnson, her parents James and Rose Santosuosso, and her brothers James Santosuosso and Robert Santosuosso. She is survived by her sons Richard Johnson and his partner Nancy Weinstein, Dennis Johnson and his wife Cheryl, her daughters Stephanie McGann and her husband Michael, and Suzanne DiCarlo, and daughter-in-law Lisa Lewis. She is also survived by her grandchildren Megan Grandon, Matthew Johnson, Elizabeth Johnson, Katherine McGann, Adrian Bradley, and Rachel Sirkin as well as her extended family and friends.

Susan grew up in Malden, the eldest of four. During high school, she loved working at the “Palace of Sweets” candy shop in Malden Square with her best friend Claire. She was always good with math, but higher education wasn’t an option for her so she began her post high school years as a secretary in Boston. A lifelong fan of all things sweet, she would eventually open her own candy store in the late 70’s.

While returning home from a weekend train trip to New York City with her cousin, Susan met the man who would become her husband of 54 years, Richard, a Navy man returning to his ship in Boston. Married in 1954, the young couple followed the Navy to ports of call in Virginia and California. Homesick and with a new baby, they left the Navy and settled back in the Boston area where three more kids followed.

Susan would work off and on throughout her life, spending 22 years with New England Telephone. Her tireless work ethic was on display during the Blizzard of 1978 when she walked the 1.5 miles back and forth to work and never missed a shift.

Susan and Richard spent several retired years in Florida before moving to Exeter N.H. to be closer to family, especially their grandchildren. Susan always felt most blessed when she was with family. And her family felt the same. She loved to cook and made every occasion special. She was always ready with a helping hand and a bright smile.

Susan will be laid to rest in the spring at New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH alongside her husband Richard.

If anyone wishes to make a donation in Susan’s name, please consider Alzheimer’s Association,225 N. Michigan Ave., Flr.17, Chicago, IL 60601, alz.org or to the charity of your choice.