Patricia “Pat” Johnson, 82, of Branford died peacefully on Feb. 21 in Yale-New Haven Hospital, Saint Raphael Campus.

Pat was born in New Haven on May 10, 1935, the daughter of the late Rose Doyle Nieman and Harold J. Nieman. She attended school in Hamden, where she met her lifelong love, friend, and beloved husband, the late Gordon E. Johnson.

The young couple moved to be near each other while they each attended college, and married shortly after Pat graduated from Mt. Ida Junior College in Newton, Massachusetts. Their first home together was in Spring Glen, Hamden, where Pat found a love of gardening. She was a member and officer of Spring Glen Garden Club.

Family summers spent at the beach and boating in Branford led Pat and Gordon to move to town and build their house in Pawson Park, where they raised their four children. Their children and grandchildren made many cherished memories at Pat’s beautiful home, which was surrounded by many beautiful flower beds and landscapes she created. Pat was an active member of the Pawson Park on the River Association, serving as secretary. After her children were grown, she obtained her real estate license and joined Beazley Real Estate, later Weichert Realtors, in Branford.

Pat was a past member of the Orchard House Adult Medical Day Care board of directors. An avid knitter, Pat gathered other knitters and co-workers to produce hundreds of hand-made scarves that were donated and delivered to troops for many years.

Pat was also a funny and adventurous soul. Who can forget the trips to the airport and train station to watch incoming flights and departures, and the “mystery rides” that usually ended in the drive-through for a soda? She made our family laugh and helped us to see how wonderful and magical life can be. We will forever miss her.

Pat is survived by her loving children Kim Healy (Rich) of Branford, Erik Johnson (Pam) of Branford, and Kerry Johnson (Brian Lawton) of New London. She is also survived by her grandchildren Kristy (Seve Esposito), Shawn (Janyna), and Rick Healy (Caitlin Kingsley); Karen and Maxwell Johnson; and Alison and Emily Johnson. Pat is survived by her sister Nancy Ferns (Jack) and was very fond of her niece Kristin Rowen and nephew Eric Soper. She also leaves a great-granddaughter, Alexandra Healy. In addition to her husband, Pat was predeceased by her son, well-known Branford artist Mark Johnson, and her grandson Ryan Johnson.

A special thanks to the kind doctors and nurses who showed extraordinary compassion in their care of Pat; they truly made her last days special. Burial and memorial services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to givetoynhh.org/give-in-honor.