LONGMONT, COLORADO – Eva Lorene Johnson, 70, was born on May 19, 1954. She was the second born child to Anna Mae and John B. Schamper. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on October 27, 2024.
Born in Boulder and raised in Louisville, Colorado, she graduated from Louisville High School in 1972. She was a friend to everyone and was known by her classmates for her cheerleading skills and later in life as the classmate who kept bringing everyone together for high school reunions. She went on to create an exceptional career for herself as a project manager despite never going to college and spending the majority of her 20s as a single mother to her eldest children, John and Amanda. Her intelligence and wit were something to be envied, however, her charm and unmatched humor made her a lovable friend to anyone who was lucky enough to cross her path.
In 1982 she married the love of her life, Alan, who stood by her side every day of their 42-year marriage. They built an amazing life together and were known for their epic family reunions, history making parties, and willingness to offer a comfortable and safe space for anyone who needed it. Their family grew in the 80s when their two youngest children, Maggie and Sarah, were brought into the world. In 1993 they moved to Berthoud, Colorado and continued to enjoy a growing family as children’s spouses and grandchildren were added to the family.
Eva was known as “Mom” or “Grandma” for too many people to name individually. She wouldn’t just give you “the shirt off her back” if you needed it. She’d also offer you a bed to sleep in and (of course) a delicious homemade meal.
In 2012, tragedy struck with the sudden and devastating loss of her son, John Giggey. One of her biggest joys in life after his death was focusing more love and time with her remaining children, grandchildren as well as all their friends who she took in as additions to her family. Her strength was something you typically only read about in history books. Through this heartbreak she still was a pillar of strength and love to anyone who was fortunate enough to cross her path. Her family finds peace and comfort knowing that she is finally reunited with her son whom she missed terribly for the last twelve years.
In 2019, she moved to Torrington with her husband and two grandchildren, Tayden and Joey. The move to an unknown town was the fulfilment of a lifelong dream to enjoy retirement in a more laid back and rural setting. She even got her yellow farmhouse that she always dreamed of having. Even through several health issues she always offered her home to anyone in need and continued to host parties and family get-togethers. She enjoyed many things, but nothing more than a chaotic house filled with the laughter of her loved ones.
She is survived by her doting husband Alan Johnson. Her three siblings John, Keith and SuAnna. Her three daughters Amanda, Maggie and Sarah. Her seven grandchildren Cassi, Tayden, Joey, Tommy, Alyssa, Devon and Riley. She is also survived by an intangible number of friends, adopted children and grandchildren and even random strangers who only knew her in her final days in this life.
To say she will be missed is an understatement. There will be a celebration of life on November 19, 2024, at 2 p.m. at D-Barn Reception Hall located at 136 S. Main St., Longmont, Colorado 80501. In lieu of flowers the family is asking for you to bring memories and pictures to share at the celebration. Her family is also offering encouragement to always put your family first. To always focus on your blessings instead of your shortcomings. Always go for the obvious joke to make someone laugh. Always give as much as you can to anyone who needs a helping hand. And to always, always love everyone with your entire heart. That is the legacy that Eva would want to pass on.
