Hope Freeman Johnson
May 14, 1928-July 14, 2018
Redwood City, California

Former Woodside resident, Hope Johnson, passed away on July 14th, surrounded by family and friends. She was born to Hilda Reuter Freemen and Benjamin Freeman in Antigo, WI. Her parents, brother Leslie, husband Hobart, son Clinton, and daughter Tulla preceded her.

She grew up in Antigo in the house where her father ran a trading post, supplying loggers and others. After attending high school in New London, she attended Lawrence University. During a summer school course at University of Wisconsin, she spied a young gentleman named Hobart, whom she eventually married.

They honeymooned in Europe and eventually settled there so that Hobart could manage the European operations for Gisholt Machine Tool. In 1963, She and her family (now including daughter Tulla, and sons Ben, Fletcher, and Hobart Clinton) returned and settled in Woodside while Hobart attended Sanford University.

She then adopted 2 more daughters – Sonia and Vangie. Over the years, she managed the household and all the ups and downs of living with Hobart and a household of rambunctious children. She supported Hobart as he explored religion (as a deacon at Woodside Village Church) and other adventures including the Human Awareness Institute and Heartmath. A highlight of her life was appearing on the Phil Donahue show with Hobart, a show she had watched for years.

She found pleasure in the community, becoming active in New Commers – where she met many of her friends as well as Atherlons and other organizations. Both she and Hobart enjoyed playing bridge and she was active in the Bridge community up until the end. But she also found joy in participating with Woodside Community Theatre and especially the Woodside Village Church Rummage sale. And, of course, her love of playing cards that she shared with all, especially cribbage and bridge.

She loved animals and was very active in supporting such causes, being one of the early members of Pets In Need as well as many other animal support charities. She always had pets around, three dogs (Max, Rosie, and Yoda) and two cats (Leia and Padme). Her other love was supporting the Lucile Packard Foundation and Hospital.

She leaves behind her best friend and soulmate, Ken Rutherford, children Ben, Fletcher, Clint, Vangie, Sonia, grandchildren Kaia, Tianna, Chris, Clinton (Tulla), Alex, Sam, Mikala, Lucas (Ben), Travis, Brandon (Fletcher), Emily, Tom, David (Clint), Devrick (Vangie), along with 3 great grand daughters (Maci , McKenzie, Naomi (Travis), not to mention so many friends that were so dear to her.