Rosemary Patricia “Pat” (Silva) Karas Johnson, 81, wife of 30 years of Lanny Johnson, widow of Richard P. Karas, of State College, died Saturday, November 23, 2024, at home, after an illness.
Born in East Providence, R.I., Pat was the daughter of the late Aurora and Herbert Silva.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by: one brother, Dr. Herbert Silva, husband of Ann Silva, of Chesterfield, Mo.; one sister; Carol (Silva) Carlson, wife of James Carlson, of Powder Springs, Ga.; sister-in-law Kay (Johnson) Barker, wife of Dan Barker, of State College; brother-in-law Ron Johnson, husband of Susan Johnson, of Spring Mills; three grown children: Jennifer A. (Karas) Myers, wife of Todd A. Myers, of Castle Rock, Colo.; Richard P. Karas II, partner of Crystal Kramer of Carlisle, Pa.; and Michelle R. Karas, of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; two stepsons; Lanny Johnson II, husband of Kimberly Johnson, of Centre Hall; and Dean Johnson, husband of Suzie Johnson, of Spring Mills; nine grandchildren: Caroline, Olivia, and Sarah Myers; Alison and Aaron Karas; Paige and Jordan Johnson; Logan Johnson; and Leah (Johnson) Neer, wife of Silas Neer; and one great-granddaughter, Lydia Neer; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pat grew up in East Providence, R.I., graduated from East Providence High School, and went on to study nursing at the former Roger Williams School of Nursing in Providence, R.I., where she became an R.N. She joined the U.S. Army, serving stateside as a nurse during the Vietnam War. While completing training to be an Army nurse at the former Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Aurora, Colo., Pat met her first husband. They married in July 1965 and settled in Boalsburg, PA, where they raised their three children.
After her first husband’s death in 1993, Pat was fortunate to be set up on a blind date with the man who would become her second husband and the love of her life, Lanny Johnson. They wed on Aug. 9, 1994, and spent the next three decades together in State College.
Pat put her nursing career on hold to be a stay-at-home mom until the mid 1980s, at which time she returned to nursing, working in the former HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, for pulmonologist Dr. Jeffrey Ratner in State College, and later for Geisinger Medical Center, in State College.
She retired in her early 70s and enjoyed cheering on Penn State football, traveling and taking cruises with her husband, spending time at their lake house in Treasure Lake, Pa., and visiting her children, grandchildren and extended family.
Pat was a lifelong Catholic and a longtime member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in State College, where she volunteered in various capacities throughout the past several decades.
She was an avid Bridge player and for decades would spend time playing with various friends and bridge groups. She loved to cook for friends and family and, when thanked or praised, was known to say, “Food is Love.” Skilled in the culinary arts, Pat at one time had a side catering business, Partyline by Pat. She was also a talented knitter and crocheter, often crafting sweaters and baby blankets for loved ones.
The service/Mass for Rosemary Patricia “Pat” Johnson, of State College, who passed away Nov. 23, 2024, will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, January 25, at Our Lady of Victory Church, 820 Westerly Pkwy, State College, PA 16801. Immediately following at the OLV Church hall will be refreshments and conversation open to all from Mass who would like to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lance and Ellen Shaner Cancer Center.