Lynne J. Johnson

Lynne J. (Brantley) Johnson, 71, of West Brookfield, passed away surrounded by loved ones Friday, October 25, 2024.

Lynne was born August 18, 1953, in Pittsburg, CA to the late, Wayne and Lois (Johnson) Brantley. Lynne enlisted in the United States Army on October 21st, 1975, in Oakland, CA and immediately shipped to Ft Jackson, SC for Basic Training. She completed Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Ft Eustis, VA in March 1976 and was assigned to F Company, 704th Maintenance Battalion in Fort Carson, CO, reporting on March 25, 1976. She completed Aircraft Maintenance Correspondence Courses and served as a Huey Mechanic. She was honorably discharged July 11th, 1977, on the eve of the birth of her first child. She returned to serve with the Massachusetts National Guard on two occasions from July 23rd, 1982, to July 22nd, 1984, and then from March 31st, 1987, to March 30th, 1989, both times with the 726th Maintenance Battalion first in Natick then Wayland. Her primary specialties were in Motor Transport Operations and Lightweight Vehicle Maintenance. She was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. Service to her country was deeply important and she continued the example long after all three of her children were born. She was happiest while barefoot on the beach, especially in California. She loved gardening, riding her motorcycle, singing along at concerts, traveling, deep diving into family genealogy and showing her athletic prowess on the softball field and volleyball courts. She spent years loving on animals as a veterinary assistant and doted on her sweet kitty, Amy. She was well known by her friends and colleagues at the Ware Post Office by her Hawaiian shirts and spot-on ability to rooster crow.

Lynne is survived by her son Brandon K. Johnson of Florida, daughters, Emily Zieman of Huntsville, AL, Natalie Johnson and her partner Michael Sweeney of West Brookfield; her beloved sweetheart and partner, David Stalker of West Brookfield; her sister, Twila E. Brantley of Arizona; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. 

Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel are honored to assist the family with arrangements. A Celebration of Life will be held in memory of Lynne on Wednesday, November 6th, from 6:00pm-9:00pm at the Weir River Social Club. A separate Celebration of Life will be held for Lynne in California at a later date. For up to date service information please visit, www.mercadantefuneral.com. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Lynne’s memory to either Mission 22 or the Innocence Project.