August 4, 1957 - October 17, 2014
MIDDLEFIELD - Kittie Leslie Johnson, a local folk artist of Middlefield, died peacefully at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, New York, on October 17th 2014.
Kittie was born in Oswego County, Fulton, New York, on August 4th, 1957, the daughter of Rodney Erwin and Elizabeth Jeanne Johnson.
Upon graduation from SUNY Oneonta in the spring of 1980 with a degree in Fine Arts, she pursued painting full time. Kittie was a familiar face at local art shows and across the entire Northeast, displaying images of an earlier time. As a decorative painter, her commissions varied from small commemorative pieces to decorated furniture and full size room murals.
She was a longtime member of Cooper Country Crafts as well as other local artist groups. She was also very active as a volunteer at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital and Otsego Manor, visiting, and encouraging countless individuals.
Kittie was a member of both the Emmons and Cooperstown Junction United Methodist Church, where she frequently played the organ as well as the flute.
She was well known for her generosity when it came to helping out both local charities and rallying special causes. As a cancer survivor herself, she could always be found at the Relay for Life events across the region.
Kittie delighted countless numbers of shut-ins with colorful Easter Baskets and Christmas presents.
She was predeceased by her parents, Rodney Erwin and Elizabeth Jeanne Johnson, her brother, Kevin Johnson, and Roy Johnson, her uncle.
Surviving are her sister, Karen Rury (Edward) and their children, Sarah, Jessica (Jason) and Jonathan (Maura); her brother Mark Johnson (Gina) and children Matthew Carr (Heather), Benjamin and Samuel; her brother Seth Johnson (Doreen) and their children, Jessica, Scott (Amanda) and Weston. She is further survived by grand nieces and nephews Cameran Flint, Elliot and Aidan Rury, Nathan Rury, and Gabriel and Logan Johnson.
A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be offered at 2 pm on Saturday, November 8, 2014, at the United Methodist Church at Cooperstown Junction, with the Rev'd. Dr. Charles J. Curley officiating.
Kittie will be laid to rest in the family plot in the Ira Union Cemetery on White Cemetery Road in Bowens Corners.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the United Methodist Church and earmarked for either Emmons or Cooperstown Junction. All gifts should be addressed to Karen Rury, P.O. Box 85, Cherry Valley, NY 13320.
Arrangements are with the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.
