Obituary of Cecelia Johnson

On Wednesday, July 12, 2023, Cecelia Beatrice McMasters Johnson, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away at age 84 at her home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Cecelia was born on February 23, 1939 in Key West, Florida to Alvin and Rosario McMasters. She married Clarence Johnson and they raised two daughters before divorcing in 1982.

Having been born into a military family, Cecelia lived in many places including Guam and Okinawa. She was married in Puerto Rico and later lived in the Netherlands where she and her family travelled extensively throughout Europe. She had a passion for traveling and visited cities from coast to coast when she returned to the United States. She loved living in New Mexico and loved everything southwestern.

Cecelia also loved crafts and decorating her home with memorabilia from her travels. She enjoyed taking photographs and developed a large collection of family memories. But Cecelia’s truest passion was for her adored West Highland Terrier, Susie. Cecelia was a strong and tenacious woman who retained her complete independence through her 84th year.

Cecelia was preceded in death by her father, Alvin, and her mother, Rosario. She is survived by her ex-husband Clarence, her two daughters, Laurie and August, her brother, Alvin Jr., her niece Melissa, her grandchildren, Christopher, Brittany, Effie, and Cory, and her great-grandchildren, Aidan, Pearcyn, Miles, Rosie, Able, and Katelyn.

Cecelia requested no funeral or memorial as she wanted instead to be surrounded by family as she passed away, and her wish was fulfilled. Cecelia was cremated on July 25, 2023 and she will remain with family until her dog Susie passes away, at which time their ashes will be sprinkled together.

She is already missed more than words can say.