Eileen Johnson

Eileen Johnson was born June 11, 1924 in Seattle, WA, to Torsten and Mae Knudsen. She grew up in the Bothell area and graduated from Bothell High School in 1942.  She aided in the war effort by working at a wholesale hardware company, also as a volunteer for the USO Dance Program. She met her husband Jim during this time. He was a Marine, stationed at Sand Point Naval Air Station.  In 1952, they moved to Skamania County in the Columbia River Gorge area between Washington and Oregon. Jim began his career with the US Fisheries Service, and Eileen continued as a full time homemaker. She joined in small town community activities such as PTA, American Legion Auxiliary, Eastern Star and the Community Church. She was especially interested in the local school where her two daughters attended. Later on, when both girls were older, she worked at Carson Elementary School as librarian.  In 1970, they moved to Kitsap County, building their home near Manchester. Eileen held several offices in Eastern Star, Port Orchard Chapter 44, including Worthy Matron. She also was a District Deputy and Grand Ada. Eileen was an active member of Port Orchard Christian Church.  Eileen never had the opportunity for a college education, something she always had wanted. In 1975, she enrolled at Olympic Community, and proudly earned an Associate Arts Degree. Eileen died December 27, 2008 at her home. She is survived by husband Jim, daughters Judy Johnson and JoAnne (and husband Rich) Mathies, and grandchildren Chris and Jennifer Mathies. A memorial service will be held at 10:30AM on Monday, January 12, 2009 at First Christian Church in Port Orchard.