Birgit Maria (Persson) Johnson was born on January 16, 1931 in Avesta, Sweden to Karin (Forsberg) Persson and Gustav Persson.

She was the second eldest of nine children having two brothers and six sisters. In 1948, at the age of seventeen, she voyaged to the USA aboard the M.S. Stockholm and landed in New York City on August 14. Preparing for her new life, she enrolled in night school where she learned English, got her driver's license, and was employed by the now historic Woodfield Orphanage whose mission is to help children and families in need. Birgit cared for the youngest children.

In 1950 she married the late Ivar C. Johnson. They celebrated 60 years together and called Fairfield, CT their home. Together, they were active members of St. Mark's Lutheran Church and they enjoyed all the beauty that the area offered… walks along the shore, bicycle rides through Southport Harbor and drives by St. Mary's -by-the-Sea.

On November 11, 1954, Birgit became a U.S. citizen. She took her citizenship seriously and was a proud Democrat who believed in social justice for all people, especially for the most vulnerable among us.

Her life's journey ended peacefully in New Hampshire on July 1, 2020 where she was surrounded by her daughter, Karen (Johnson) Yasenka and her husband, Rev. David Yasenka, her grandchildren, Aaron Yasenka, Kortney Yasenka, and Kristin Yasenka and her husband, Dylan Locsin, and her two precious great granddaughters, Helena and Isla Locsin.

Birgit will be remembered for the well-crafted stories she told of days gone by and for the many Swedish traditions she passed on to future generations. She will forever live in the hearts and minds of those she loved.

Services are at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the care of Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St., Salem, NH 03079.

Donations in Birgit's name may be made to: Isaiah 58 NH, 472 Route 111  Hampstead, NH 03841

To send a message of condolence to the family, please view the obituary at www.douglasandjohnson.com