Charlemagne Johnson

OXFORD – Charlemagne “Cookie” R. (Carlson) Johnson, 56, of Larned Road, lost her courageous 8-year battle to Cancer on Saturday, October 20th. She passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loved ones. She was a lifelong resident of Oxford.

Cookie was predeceased by her father Russel H. Carlson. She leaves her mother Lorraine A. (Dion) Carlson of Chatham. She is survived by her daughter, Amanda C. (Johnson) Normandin and her husband Randy of Sturbridge; two grandchildren, Hunter E. Normandin and Jewels C. Normandin, 13 siblings: Crystal Carlson of San Francisco, CA, Claudia Carlson Bunn (Robert Walls) of Leicester, Curt Carlson (Laurie) of Worcester, Cindy Hammond (Alan) of Oxford, Candace LaRochelle (Raymond) of Melbourne, FL, Charlene Nappa (Vincent) of Palm Bay, FL, Claudette “Chicky” Tinsley (Gary) of Oxford, with whom she lived, Craig Carlson (Rita Hutchinson) of Oxford, Carrie Fahle (John) of South Chatham, Christina Flanagan (James) of Oxford, Christopher Carlson (Theresa) of North Brookfield, Cassie Maher (John) of Cotuit, and Chad Carlson (Beverley) of Harwich Port; her former husband, Arthur B. Johnson of Southbridge; and 60 nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts, and cousins. She had an especially close bond with her cousin Russ Dion.

Anyone fortunate enough to have known Cookie, would say she was the epitome of strength. After being diagnosed, she took control of her life and fought graciously yet tenaciously for years. She went through multiple surgeries and procedures as well as extensive rounds of Chemotherapy. After multiple bouts with these obstacles it was only fitting for her to earn the nickname “Tough Cookie”. Overcoming all odds, she is an inspiration to anyone who is fighting the same fight.

Cookie was an installation merchandiser for Hallmark for 12 years. Traveling was a passion she enjoyed, with several trips to Maine, Cape Cod, Florida, and California. Cookie fulfilled some of her wishes such as taking her grandchildren to Disney just last year and going to see her favorite musician P!nk with her daughter, Amanda. She enjoyed gardening, playing bingo, pitch, and trips to the casino with her best friend Betty Remillard. Cooking was her passion and she kept a collection of family recipes. “Grammy” may have been her favorite role as she spoiled Hunter and Jewels every chance she got enveloping them with all her love. She loved to attend their games and she went to every event she possibly could. Showering her with love and support, her family who has an inescapable bond allowed her to live every day to its fullest.

We would like to thank Nancy Noonan of Southern Worcester County VNA for her unconditional care and unexpected friendship. We would also like to thank her Oncologist Susan Zweizig, MD of UMass Memorial who never gave up on her.

Services are private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Team Hope and Honor, UMass Cancer Walk and Run, 333 South St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545. Paradis-Givner Funeral Home in Oxford is directing the arrangements.