Obituary of Mary Johmann

CHESHIRE - Mary Stewart Heath Johmann, 90, passed away Wednesday, March 5, 2014, peacefully at home in Cheshire, CT. She was the wife of the late Robert R. Johmann, the love of her life. Born on January 26, 1924 in Manhattan to Louise (Perkins) and Joseph Kemble Heath, Jr., Mary lost both her parents before the age of two. She was brought up by her beloved stepmother, Florence Flagler Heath, with her sister Florence. Mary grew up in Woodside, Queens, around the block from her future husband and his sister, Dorothy, her best friend. Married in 1946, Mary and Bob resided in Hicksville, NY, Camillus, NY, and Marlborough, MA, before moving to Cheshire in 1979. Mary made life-long friends everywhere she lived and was known for her helping hand whenever needed. She was active in each of her churches, most recently the First Congregational Church, from being president of the youth group as a teen to serving on Christian Education and Search Committees. A 40-year member of the League of Women Voters, Mary served as newsletter editor and membership chair. She enjoyed volunteering at the polls on Election Day, participating in the Youth in Government Program, and registering kids to vote at Cheshire High. Mary proudly worked as a telephone operator with AT&T and GE in Manhattan before, during, and after WWII. She loudly cheered for the NY Yankees and Huskies Women's Basketball. Surviving are her daughters Nancy Johmann of Stratford, Carol Johmann of Cheshire, Patricia Croteau and her husband Paul of Cheshire, and Elizabeth Rieth and her husband John of Valparaiso, IN; her grandchildren Heather and her husband Ryan, Tiffany, Courtney, Christine, David, and Matthew; her great-grandchild Brooklyn Mary; her brother-in-law Bill, and nieces and nephews. Besides her beloved husband, Mary was preceded in death by her granddaughter Jessica, her sister Florence, and sister-in-law Dorothy and Dot's husband Robert. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2014, at 11:30 AM at the First Congregational Church of Cheshire, 111 Church Drive. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church, 111 Church Dr. Cheshire, CT 06410 or Operation Smile. The Alderson Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 S. Main St. is assisting with arrangements.