Darcey (Ver Hey) Johnson

For Darcey Lou Johnson, family was the greatest source of happiness. She was a devoted wife and mother who shared her joy each day with the many people she loved. Darcey leaves her family with many wonderful memories, but more importantly, with the unforgettable example of what a good wife, mother and grandmother can be.

In Holland, Michigan, Robert Ver Hey and his wife Nelva were among many expecting parents during the Baby Boom. On September 27, 1953 they were blessed with the healthy birth of their daughter Darcey.

The middle of three children, Darcey grew up in Holland with the company of her siblings Shelly and Robert, Jr. She was an active, enthusiastic child. She enjoyed fishing with her father, and participated in Dutch Dance and choir. When she was ten years old, she underwent surgery for scoliosis and spent the next six months in a body cast. At West Ottawa High School, she was an active member of the Ski Club and Tennis Team. She also participated in Student Council.

Darcey first met Tom Johnson in the seventh grade. Even in junior high, a crush quickly developed between them. By the time they entered high school, their "puppy love" had evolved into a valuable friendship. In the spring of their senior year, Tom invited Darcey on their first date. A few weeks later they went to the senior prom together, which proved to be a wonderful evening. After graduating from West Ottawa High School in 1971, Darcey enrolled at Michigan State University and began working toward a degree in Packaging Engineering. She stayed in touch with many friends from home, including her boyfriend Tom, who attended University of Michigan. Despite the distance between them, they continued to date throughout college.

Darcey graduated from MSU in 1975. A few weeks later, on June 28, 1975, a hot ninety-degree day, she and Tom were married in Beechwood Reformed Church. Following the wedding, Darcey and Tom moved to Rochester, New York where they have lived for the past thirty-one years. They were blessed with two wonderful daughters, Valerie and Julie. Darcey was a loving, selfless, supportive, caring, helpful, and kind mother. She was always there for her family, even if she was having a bad day. When her daughters needed to talk, Darcey listened patiently and without prejudice.

On January 12, 1976 Darcey began working for Eastman Kodak. She was a dedicated worker, and she formed many friendships among her colleagues. Throughout her thirty-one year career, she never gave up on a problem. She faced each challenge with a smile. She was an excellent listener, as well as a source for solid advice. She was a valuable mentor. By explaining her visions, she enabled her coworkers to do a better job themselves. Darcey was also a longstanding member of the Kodak Women's Forum, where she served as an officer and also maintained membership lists.

In her spare time, Darcey enjoyed many forms of relaxation. She read books, played internet games, planted flower gardens, and watched TV shows such as; American Idol, House, and the Animal Planet. Darcey and her family were season ticket holders for the Rochester Raging Rhinos soccer team for the last ten years. She was very fond of her collections, especially the Dickens Lighted Village, by Department 56 and the Fifty State Quarters. More importantly, she collected and displayed everything that her children had ever created. Darcey enjoyed going on vacations, especially to tropical destinations. Hawaii is where some of her family's favorite memories of her are. She was always by the water, either on the beach looking for shells, or snorkeling in the ocean looking at the wonderful creatures she cherished. In recent years, Darcey started planning her retirement. Inspired by her tropical family vacations, Darcey was looking at warmer surroundings to retire in other than Rochester, NY.

In her later years, Darcey was thrilled to see her family grow with the blessing of a granddaughter, Casey Hastings. Her family was her pride and joy, and she treasured every moment that she spent with her husband, daughters, and granddaughter. Darcey's life was filled with many incredible days, starting with her marriage and continuing through the births of her daughters and granddaughter. Among the many people whose hearts she touched, she will be greatly missed and often remembered.

Darcey died unexpectedly on February 21, 2007. She was preceded in death by her sister-in-law; Alane Johnson. Surviving are her husband, Thomas Johnson, Rochester, NY; Daughters; Valerie Hastings, Rochester, and Julie Johnson, Wilmington, NC; Granddaughter; Casey Hastings; Parents, Robert and Nelva Ver Hey, of Holland; Father-in-law and mother-in-law, LaVerne and Doris Johnson, of Holland; Sister, Shelly Blanski, of Chicago, IL; Brother, Robert Ver Hey Jr., of St. Louis, MO; Sister-in-law and brothers-in-law; Wanda (Robert) McAndrews, of Zeeland, and Daniel Johnson, of Atlanta, GA. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, March 5, 2007, 11:00AM, at Beechwood Reformed Church. Officiating will be the Rev. Jim Lankheet and Rev. Marvin Beukelman. Burial will be in Lakewood Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9PM, at the Northwood Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, 295 Douglas Ave., Holland. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Please visit Darcey's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may archive a favorite memory or sign the guest book.