Esther J. Johnson, 97, of Harwich passed away peacefully on July 25, 2012 in Chatham. She was married to the late Walter M. Johnson for 44 years.

Esther was born in New Britain, CT to Hilma and Albert Josephson and attended the New Britain schools. She lived in Plainville, CT for many years before moving to Cape Cod in 1974. She was a Charter Member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Harwich.

She is survived by her son Richard W. Johnson and his wife Elizabeth, her daughter Nancy Ann Smith, her grandchildren Scott R. Johnson, Kristen L. Johnson, Walter E. Smith and Jodie L. Smith and her great grandson Dayton Smith. She also leaves a sister-in-law, Gemma Josephson, her nephews Paul Josephson and Robert Johnson, her nieces Susan Chopus and Judy Greene and a dear and devoted friend, Josephine Raneo. Esther was predeceased by her parents and her brother Carlton Josephson.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the exceptional attention given by the staff of The Victorian, Liberty Commons and Broad Reach Hospice in Chatham.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 28, at 11 am at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Route 137 in East Harwich.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 310 Rte. 137, East Harwich, MA 02645.