Francis Johnson, excellent cook

Kathryn Morris Francis Johnson, 95, of Georgetown, passed away quietly on the evening of Saturday, Jan. 25, 2013. Born in Taylor, Pa. to Agnes Marie Ridington and Everett Warren Francis, Kathryn grew up to be a kind, intelligent and hard-working young woman who took great comfort in her spiritual life.

It was through the church, at a Lackawana County Christian youth conference, that she met Norman Johnson, whom she married in 1935. Shortly after the birth of their first child, Norman and Kathryn moved to Wilmington. There, Kathryn divided her time between raising two daughters and pursuing a successful retail career managing several dress departments at Strawbridge & Clothier.

Kathryn was an excellent cook who enjoyed family gatherings, where she prepared elaborate meals using vegetables picked from her garden. At Christmas, she'd bake batch after batch of cookies for her family. The recipe for Grandma's Welsh cookies has been passed down to her children and grandchildren, and they have become a family tradition that rekindles warm memories.

In 1975, Kathryn and Norman retired to a lovely farm in Georgetown, where they spent many happy years as members of Bethesda United Methodist Church. Following Norman's passing in 2004, Kathryn moved to Brinton Manor Nursing Home in Media, Pa.

Survivors include her two daughters, Kay Weldon of Kennett Square, Pa. and Carole Dougherty of Wilmington, N.C.; a brother; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 26, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown, where friends may call after 10:30 a.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Bethesda U.M. Church, 24619 DuPont Blvd., Georgetown, DE 19947.