Rose Mary (DiFrancesco) Johnson

Rose Mary (DiFrancesco) Johnson died March 20, 2016. Rose was the daughter of immigrants from Italy. Born in Hartford, Conn. on April 24, 1918, she was raised by her loving parents in New Britain, Conn. She met her future husband, Charles Graham Johnson, before the start of World War II and they corresponded for the duration.

After Graham was released from service, they married in 1946. Their son, Thomas, arrived in 1948 and their daughter, Nancy, came along in 1949. They all lived happily on the second floor at 321 Main St., Portland, Conn. until 1965 when they built a home at 2 Spruce Terrace, Portland.

In 1981, they had the golden opportunity to leave (not without some regrets!) New England and move to the little village of Fallbrook, in San Diego County, Calif., where Tom had found them a home. They enjoyed an idyllic 20 years until Graham passed away in 2002. Rose then went to live with Nancy in an attractive small city in Los Angeles County, Sierra Madre. She never missed the harsh climate back east and thoroughly took pleasure in the California weather and lifestyle.

Her favorite song was "Stardust", from which I quote: "Sometimes I wonder why I spend the lonely nights, dreaming of a song – The melody haunts my reverie and I am once again with you, when our love was new and each kiss an inspiration – Oh, but that was long ago, now my consolation is in the stardust of a song...." – Hoagy Carmichael

Rest in peace, sweet mom of mine...