Obituary of Barbara A. Johnson

Barbara Anita Johnson of Monticello, a former housekeeping employee of the Concord Resort Hotel, died Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at the Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown. She was 65. The daughter of the late Samuel Merillo and Anita Gols Merillo, she was born September 30, 1951 in Staten Island. Barbara was known for her tenacity. Everything she had she fought for. As a widowed mother of three rambunctious boys she could not afford to let any opportunity for a better life pass her by. That fighting spirit served her well and set a high standard for her family to follow. Barbara also never turned down a chance to lend a helping hand; from stray pets to lost souls no one was ever turned away. You would be hard pressed to find someone who has met Barbara and was not inspired by her. She is survived by three sons: James Johnson, Jesse Johnson and Gunner Johnson; grandchildren: James Johnson, Dominique Johnson, Destiny Johnson, Kathlynn Johnson, Jesse Johnson and an unborn grandson Gunner Dominick Johnson; her companion: Paul Sands; brothers and sisters: Samuel Merillo, Tony Merillo, Anita Merillo, George Merillo and Annie Bell. She was predeceased by her husband James Johnson; brother Victor Merillo; and sisters Rosemary Merillo and Wilma Merillo Primont Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 18 from 12pm to 2pm at the VanInwegen Kenny Funeral Home, 401 Broadway in Monticello with a funeral service starting at 2pm. Cremation will follow the services. Memorial contributions can be made to Orange Regional Medical Center www.ormc.org/charitable-giving/online-donations.aspx Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello NY; for additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com