Elaine C. Johns

Elaine C. (Lajoie) Johns, 87, of Gardner died peacefully, Thursday, March 26, 2020, in Wachusett Manor, Gardner, following a long illness

Born in Gardner on October 13, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Theodore and Ruth (Erickson) Lajoie. She was a graduate of Gardner High School with the Class of 1950. She was a telephone operator employed by Verizon for many years until her retirement in 1982.

She was a parishioner of Chestnut Street United Methodist Church of Gardner. She was a member of the Pioneers Retired Telephone Operators Association. She loved her family, especially her husband, who was the love of her life for 66-years and loved to reference her as “My Bride.”  Elaine enjoyed going to the casino to play slot machines, playing BINGO, traveling, going to the beach, and eating lobster. She loved preparing big meals for everyone.

Elaine is survived by her husband Thomas Johns of Gardner; two daughters Cynthia J. Breth and her husband Michael of Staley, NC, and Heidi L. Swift and her husband Richard of Leominster; one son Thomas R. Johns of Saco, ME; seven grandchildren, Jessica, Amanda, Brittany, Thomas, Victoria, Samantha, and Colin; four great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Jordan, Thomas, and Noah; a special cousin, Ruth Ann Webber of Baldwinville; several nieces, nephews, and other cousins.

She was predeceased by three sisters, Helen Gifford, Grace Strout, and Irene Webber and one brother, Ralph Lajoie.

Funeral Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Make-a-Wish Foundation Massachusetts and Rhode Island, 133 Federal Street, Floor 2, Boston, MA, 02110. Please reference in memory of Elaine C. Johns.