Susan K. Johnson, 74, a longtime resident of Highland, Indiana, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2024, after a courageous year-long battle with cancer. She was born in Hammond, Indiana, but spent most of her life in Highland, where she built a life filled with love, laughter, and deep connections with her family and friends. In recent years, she relocated to Brownsburg, Indiana to be closer to family.
Throughout her life, Susan touched countless lives as a daughter, sister, friend, and mother. Her warmth, generosity, and infectious humor left a lasting impact on everyone she encountered. She was known for her quick wit, her kind heart, and her willingness to lend a listening ear. Susan cherished moments spent sharing laughter and margaritas with friends and neighbors on her porch and treasured her summer trips to Colorado with her sister.
Susan’s career was as diverse as her personality. She dedicated time to nurturing young minds as a preschool teacher at Little Lambs Learning Center in Highland. She also served as an Enrichment Trainer at The Arc of Northwest Indiana, supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Later, she provided essential office management skills to Metal Door Incorporated. However, her most cherished role was that of a wife, mother, and grandmother. She found immense joy in spending time with and doting on her family.
Susan is survived by her two children: Erik Johnson of Ft. Myers, Florida, and Kate (Adam) Collins of Indianapolis, Indiana. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Cody Eby, Hannah and Denver Johnson, and their mother Amanda Eby of Cedar Lake, Indiana. Her memory will also live on through her sister, Linda (Marv) Dewey, her niece, Gaylen (Brian) Matzen, and her nephew, Aaron (Jen) Gelbhaus, all residing in Grand County, Colorado.
A unique aspect of Susan’s personality was her love for elephants, reflected in the numerous elephant figurines adorning her home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Susan’s memory to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee.
Susan’s passing leaves a void in the lives of many, but her spirit and legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire those who knew her. The Northwest Indiana community mourns the loss of this remarkable woman.
