Cranbourne North’s dedicated community member Rae Johnson passed away on Monday, aged 84.
By Bridget Cook
CASEY is mourning the loss of a dedicated community member who worked to better the lives of those suffering from arthritis.
Cranbourne North resident Rae Johnson passed away on Monday, aged 84.
Mrs Johnson dedicated many years and countless hours helping local arthritis sufferers. She was the president of the Cranbourne Arthritis Support Group for about 25 years.
Mrs Johnson had also been a board member of the Cranbourne Shire Community Services, was involved in the Cranbourne Community Health Centre, appointed to the Community Advisory Board in Cranbourne and was an integral part of the planning of the new Casey RACE and its warm water pool.
In 2007, Mrs Johnson won Victoria’s second-highest seniors’ award – the Go For Your Life – for her work with the Cranbourne Arthritis Support Group.
Last year, the City of Casey council also named the warm water pool at Casey Race after Mrs Johnson to recognise her tireless work for the group.
At the presentation where the naming of the pool was announced, group member Audrey Mutton, who came up with the idea, said Mrs Johnson was a hard worker.
“She has been our inspiration for so many years – the glue that has held the group together,” she said.
Joan Wright, a Cranbourne Arthritis Support Group member who worked alongside Mrs Johnson for eight years as secretary, said she would be sadly missed.
“Her input was so passionate into the group, and hopefully, we can keep it going as well as she would like us to,” she said.
“She was compassionate and dedicated to warm water exercise and helping to fund juvenile arthritis.
“She was a friend, as well as a mentor, and just had a love of life and tried to encourage everyone to make the most of whatever they could.”
At Tuesday night’s council meeting, a minutes’ silence was held in honour of Mrs Johnson .
Councillor Amanda Stapledon said Mrs Johnson had left a community in mourning.
“Cranbourne has lost a real woman of substance, who will be very missed,” she said.
“What remains is the legacy of a caring, constructive and hard-working woman who was loved and respected by so many.”
Mrs Johnson leaves behind her loving husband of 62 years, Bill, two children, Lyn and Ron, son and daughter-in-law Grahame and Lee, grandchildren Stacey, Aaron and Emma and great-grandchildren Elly, Jessica and Harper.
A funeral service will be held for Mrs Johnson at Bunurong Memorial Park, 790 Frankston Dandenong Road, Dandenong South on Tuesday at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations will be collected for the Cranbourne Arthritis Support Group.
