Kathe Maria Johnson; March 3, 2013

Kathe Maria Johnson of Madison passed away on Sunday, March 3 at her home. She was 82.

Kathe was born in Mannheim, Germany on April 29, 1930. At the age of 16 she met and fell in love with an American soldier, James N. “Sarge” Johnson who happened to be very enamored by her as well. Sarge reenlisted in the Army because of his love for Germany but also because of his love for Kathe. They married in 1953 and the following year he was stationed back to the U.S. In order to be closer to their only daughter, her parents followed and made their home in the U.S. as well.

She was a devout Catholic, attending Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, Huntsville, AL for many years. Kathe was a trained seamstress studying clothes design in Germany and throughout her life shared her talents with many. She was a friend to all God’s creatures big and small and has left behind many happy and pleasantly plump squirrels, chipmunks, birds and all other critters that wanted a special meal. While a devoted animal lover and caregiver of all animals, she never met a cat she didn’t love.

Kathe will be missed by her entire family, including her daughter, Luzy Johnson Tribble of Madison; son and daughter-in-law, Robert R. and Lynn Ezelle Johnson of Collierville, TN; and two grandchildren, Lyndsey T. Mitchell of Birmingham and Ryan L. Johnson of Germantown, TN. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jakob and Maria Vogelsgesang and her husband, James N. “Sarge” Johnson. Kathe was extraordinary and will be missed by all that knew her and loved her dearly, family and friends alike.

Kathe was so blessed by the loving care of so many of Hospice Family Care, nurse, Sherri Greer; social worker, Kattia Disbrow; nurse’s aide, Linda Holden; Chaplain Anthony Ford and also her independent home sitter, LaTonya Lanier. They each gave special care to Kathe throughout her battle with her illness and provided the love and compassion to make her as comfortable as possible. The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you for this extraordinary group of angels.

Visitation was Wednesday, March 6, beginning at noon and the chapel service was held at 2 p.m. at Madison Chapel Funeral Home. The internment immediately followed the service at Huntsville Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Greater Huntsville Humane Society, 2812 Johnson Road, Huntsville, AL 35805 or to Hospice Family Care, 3304 Westmill Drive, Huntsville, AL 35805. An online guest book may be signed at www.madisonchapelfuneralhome.com.