GLOUCESTER: Surrounded by her dear family, Hilda Rudina (Olsen) Johnson, 91, slipped peacefully away from this life on Friday morning, November 28, 2008 and began her journey to join her husband, John “Junk” Johnson, legendary baseball player and the love of her life for 68 years.
Hilda, born in Gloucester on April 29, 1917, she was the beloved daughter of the late Edith “Mimi” (Pierce) Olsen and Charles “Sir Grand” Olsen, Sailmaker, known locally and in far ranging sailing circles for the quality of his handmade sails.
Hilda leaves her devoted and beloved daughters, Rudina “Dina” Enos of Gloucester and Sylvia McCain of Wyoming, three grandchildren, Charles, Richard and Kaja, two great-grandsons, a great-granddaughter, two great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She also leaves her great friend and comforter, Teddy Tyree Skeeziks No-Knees Johnson. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Alice and Aram Roopenian and her son-in-law, Robert R. Enos.
All who knew Hilda, remember the lovely lady with the sparkling eyes and radiant smile, lover of animals, plants, local history and her country. Throughout their long life together, Hilda and Junk were a frequent presence at the dance venues from Rockport to Ipswich, where they were known for their talents on the dance floor and their devotion to one another: a true love story for all to behold.
Hilda enjoyed and understood the importance and significance of the unique history of her beloved Gloucester. With Dogtown Common closest to her heart, she spent much time there with Junk, walking, picking blueberries, learning, enjoying, and understanding the history, ambiance and meaning of preserving the heritage of the “Finest Kind.” An avid reader, Hilda exercised her mind reading historic novels and love stories, was a great horsewoman, protector of all living things and a lover of nature.
Hilda’s memorial service will be held on Tuesday in the Trinity Congregational Church, Middle St., Gloucester at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend.