"Mrs. Altadena," Rosa Johnson, dies at 103

by Timothy Rutt

 

Sandra Thomas, left, introduces Rosa "Mrs. Altadena" Johnson at the Altadena 125th birthday celebration on Nov. 3, 2012.

Rosa Johnson -- a longtime active resident, graced with the name "Mrs. Altadena" -- died  Aug. 31, the day after her 103rd birthday.

 

Daugher Rosemarie Wallack of Irvine said that Johnson died peacefully in her own home, where she had lived since 1957.

Johnson was active in Altadena Heritage, the Christmas Tree Lane Association, and the Altadena Senior Center until recent years, when she stopped driving shortly before her 100th birthday.

Born in Norwalk, Connecticut, Rosa Prima Gasponi moved from Pennsylvania  to California when she was 19, and eventually convinced the rest of her family to move west.  She married Kimball Johnson in 1933, and they had three children:  Rosemarie Wallack, Kimball Johnson, Jr. of Altadena, and Spencer Johnson of Las Vegas.  She also had six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

There will be a private celebration of her life next week.