We are feeling a deep sense of loss here on Earth while Heaven is celebrating the arrival of Eva "Sandy" Johnson, to be with her Lord and reunite with her husband, "Jack."

Eva "Sandy" was born in Salmon, Idaho on Jan. 21, 1925 and passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009. after enduring several years of challenging health problems, including the debilitating effects of myasthenia gravis. She grew up and attended schools in Salmon and when her father retired the family made an auto trip covering a large part of the United States, visiting many historical sites, instilling in her a great love of America and our history as well as a desire to travel and see more of the world. The family moved to Spokane, Wash. where Sandy went to business college and worked for Safeway for two and a half years as a comptometer operator doing accounts receivable.

Sandy corresponded with John "Jack" Johnson while he served in the U.S. Army in World War II. Their romance blossomed and they were married in Torrance on Jan. 31, 1948. Jack was truly the love of her life and has been waiting to rejoin his beloved wife since his passing in November, 2002. During their marriage Sandy worked for the Log Cabin Bread Co. in Los Angeles and held a few temporary jobs. She devoted her life to her family, loving and raising their three children, proudly becoming a full-time homemaker. They moved their family to Thousand Oaks in 1960 where they met the neighbors, made many new lifelong friends and embraced their church family. After Jack retired they enjoyed traveling and took many beautiful, memorable trips here and abroad. Sandy was a faithful member of the Christian Church of Thousand Oaks where she made many lasting friends and her faith in the Lord flourished. While she was able, she enjoyed attending services, bible classes and volunteering at the church.

Sandy loved traveling, reading, studying her Scottish heritage and family ancestry, growing her beautiful orchids (flowers she gladly shared with her nurses, waitresses, caregivers and friends), baking her delicious holiday cookies and treats, board games and crossword puzzles (her spelling and knowledge of words was amazing), watching old T.V. programs on TVLand and her special Sunday movie night at home with her son. She was also a very talented piano player and especially enjoyed playing inspirational gospel music. God could not have created a more unassuming, beautiful (both inside and out), caring, kind, honest and gentle woman. She was always thinking of and praying for others in spite of her own health struggles-- an inspiration of great courage and quiet strength to us all. Her bright smile and warm hugs endeared her to all who were blessed to know her. We will always remember her words as we would leave, "I LOVE YOU AND WATCH OUT FOR THOSE CRAZY CALIFORNIA DRIVERS!" WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU, MOM!

Eva "Sandy" was preceded in death by her husband, John "Jack" Johnson. She is survived by her son, James F. Johnson, daughter, Sharann Chotenovsky and husband Jerry and daughter Rebecca Manning-Stone, and her many friends and relatives.

We would like to thank the group of doctors who provided such excellent care for our mother. Also, a very special "Thank You" to Ellen Smith and Comfortkeepers for the wonderful, attentive and compassionate caregivers they provided, especially Orfelinda Martinez and Janine Sullivan for their dedicated service in caring for Mom. She appreciated all you did for her and loves you all. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 20 at the Christian Church of Thousand Oaks, 301 W. Avenida de las Flores. Interment will be at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park, 5600 Lindero Cyn Rd., Westlake Village. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Eva "Sandy's" name to be made to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation, or your favorite charity. Arrangements by Griffin Family Funeral Chapels, Thousand Oaks, 230-2800.