Susan (Sue) Johnson

Susan (Sue) Eva Johnson, 66, passed away in the early morning hours of January 24, 2026, at AdventHealth Fish Memorial Hospital in Orange City, Florida. At the time of her death, she resided in Deltona, Florida.

Sue was born on October 29, 1959, in Biddeford, Maine, to Earl Berry and Marilyn Thivierge. She was one of two children, alongside her brother, Thomas Berry. After Marilyn’s passing in 1966, Earl remarried Catherine (Tucci) Berry, and Sue became one of seven children, growing up alongside Thomas Berry, Alburn Butler, Michael Butler, Donna Punch, Melody Ballantyne, and Wayne Butler. Together, they were raised in South Portland, Maine, a place that shaped Sue and remained an important part of her story. In 1992, Sue moved to Florida with her two children, Tracy and Rachael, beginning a new chapter centered on providing for and caring for her family.

After settling in Florida, she began working for Volusia County Schools, starting as a paraprofessional primarily in ESE classrooms. She later became the facilitator of the Extended Daycare Program at Discovery Elementary, a role she deeply loved. Each day, Sue was responsible for the safety and enrichment of 120 children. She organized field trips, built programs, and onboarded a team of skilled staff, creating a space where children were cared for and supported.

During her time with Volusia County Schools, Sue also worked as a cashier at the Winn-Dixie in DeBary, where she spent 20 years becoming a familiar, friendly presence to weekend shoppers. In her later years, still unable to sit still, she worked as a cashier at the DeBary Walgreens. Customers knew Sue for her patience, kindness, and genuine care, qualities she carried into every part of her life.

Sue grew up in a musical family and maintained a lifelong love of live music. She especially enjoyed attending cover band performances at the Athens Theatre with her daughters. Wednesdays were reserved for bowling, where she played on a team aptly named The Golden Oldies. Sue loved the book series The Dragon Riders of Pern, and her home reflected that joy, with shelves lined with what Sue described as "kind" dragon sculptures. Above all else, Sue treasured time with her daughters - listening, laughing, and sharing stories from their weeks. Being their mother was the role she cherished most.

Sue is survived by her daughters, Tracy Parodi and Rachael Johnson. She married Mark Johnson in 1984, and together they welcomed Rachael in 1988. Mark passed away later that year, leaving Sue a widow. She is also survived by her beloved granddaughter, Allie Parodi, whom Sue adored watching grow into an intelligent and beautiful young lady. Sue also leaves behind her son-in-law, Jason Parodi, whose intellect and problem-solving skills she deeply respected. In her final moments, Sue expressed her gratitude to Jason for the loving care he provided to her, to Tracy, and to Rachael.

Sue spoke freely about her love for her family and the pride she felt in her daughters. When asked what she wanted after her passing, her answer was always the same: “Make it easy.” Sue never wanted to be a burden—she only wanted to help others. That simple wish captures the heart of who Sue Johnson was.

In keeping with Sue’s wishes, no formal services will be held at this time. At a later date, to be shared on Sue’s Facebook, Tracy will announce the location where Sue’s ashes will be spread over Lake Monroe. For relatives in Maine, Tracy will also share a summer date when Sue’s ashes will be reunited at her husband Mark’s grave.