Nancy J. Johnson 1942-2026

Nancy was born on April 7, 1942, in New Castle, Pa., to the late Lester and Margaret (Fry) Moore. She grew up in Petersburg, where she remained a lifelong resident.

Nancy retired in 2002 after a career as a school cook, where she faithfully cared for generations of students with the same warmth and kindness she shared with her family.

From an early age, Nancy’s greatest joy was showing that she cared for others. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, where she lovingly prepared meals and baked desserts that brought her family and friends together. Her famous carrot cake and homemade sugar cookies became treasured traditions, especially when shared with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. For Nancy, cooking and baking were more than hobbies, they were her love language and one of the many ways she showed those around her how deeply they were loved.

Nancy’s family and her late husband, Carl, were the center of her world. She treasured every moment spent with them. Whether shopping, baking, swimming in the family pool, or simply enjoying time together, she found happiness in being with them. She especially loved celebrating the holidays, where she delighted in decorating her home for each season and filling it with warmth, beauty and the joy of amily traditions. Nancy and Carl also loved to travel and visited many places together, including Arizona, Florida, the New England states and South Carolina.

Nancy was a devoted member of Petersburg Presbyterian Church, where she served in many roles throughout the years. Her generous heart and willingness to help others reflected the values by which she lived.

She is survived by her children, Peggy (John) Berardi, Jodie (the late Chuckie) Gossard, Kathleen (Ron) Burt, Bob Johnson and Ken (Stacey) Johnson; grandchildren, Dan (Angela) Gossard, Jake (Sarah) Withers, Michelle (Sam) Nissen, Joe (Taylor) Johnson, Nicole Johnson, Matt Burt, Kayla Gossard, Kyle (Kaitlynn) Berardi, Ashley (Kevin) Johnson and Alyssa Berardi; her cherished great-grandchildren, Charlotte

and Case Gossard, Weston, Hallie and Hanna Withers, Danielle Johnson and Leo Nissen; her sister,Marcia Nelson; and many close friends that have become family.

In addition to her parents and husband, Nancy was preceded in death by her first husband, Charles E. Gossard Sr.; a son, Chuckie Gossard Jr.; a sister, Leslie Wire; and a daughter-in-law, Kim Johnson.

Friends may call 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home at 2726 Center Road, Poland, and again 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at Peterbsurg Presbyterian Church. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the church, followed by internment in Petersburg Cemetery.

Nancy’s family would like to express their gratitude to everyone who cared for her in her final days,visiting with her and sharing special memories. Your kindness, love and presence brought her comfort and meant more than words can express. She lived a life filled with love, laughter, and the joy of family and friends, and will remain forever in our hearts.

(special notice)