Jill Johnson, 85, of Brewster, New York, formerly of Stillwater, passed away on September 9, 2026, in Mount Kisco, New York, with her son by her side.
Jill was born September 2, 1941, in Troy, New York, to Thomas John Johnson and Ruth Dunham Johnson. She grew up on Dunshire Farm, a dairy farm in Troy, and graduated from Troy High School in 1959. She attended Albany Business College before pursuing nursing at the Putnam Memorial Hospital School of Practical Nursing in Bennington, Vermont, where she became an LPN.
Jill began her career as an emergency room nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy, but caring for others was much more than a profession; it was one of the defining threads of her life.
For many years, Jill cared for children as a foster parent and throughout the Stillwater community, becoming a familiar and trusted presence to countless families. Many of those children became like her own, and to many of them, Jill became a second mom. Later in life, she provided in-home care for elderly patients, growing to love those she cared for and remaining by their sides during some of their most difficult and vulnerable moments.
Jill was compassionate, hardworking, resilient, self-reliant and strong-willed, with unforgettable blue eyes. She loved gardening, shopping and traveling whenever she could. She was a talented cook and baker, handy and resourceful, and enjoyed a good fish fry, shrimp cocktail, ice cream, a glass of wine and her grand-dog, Bowie.
Of all the places Jill loved, she was happiest near the ocean. From camping trips in Maine and New Jersey to summers on Cape Cod, the beach remained a constant throughout her life.
Jill was also fortunate to have a circle of loyal and cherished friends throughout her life. Some walked beside her for decades, while others came into her life along the way. Their friendship, support and companionship helped her navigate some of life’s more difficult chapters and brought her much happiness along the way. Her family will always be grateful to those who loved her, looked out for her and remained by her side.
Above all, Jill treasured her family, and few roles brought her greater joy than being a grandmother. Her granddaughters, Madison and Bailey, were her world. She cherished nearly thirteen years as their Grammy, and the love, strength, humor and determination that defined Jill will continue through them.
Jill is survived by her son, Cory Johnson and his wife, Melissa Johnson; her granddaughters, Madison Caroline and Bailey Margaret; her sisters-in-law, Donna Johnson Brown and Leslie Johnston; her niece, Amy Johnson Vogt; and her nephew, Tim Johnston.
She was predeceased by her parents, Thomas John Johnson and Ruth Dunham Johnson, and her brothers, Thomas Johnson and Daniel Johnston.
Calling hours will be held Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Howard B. Tate & Son Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held there Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by burial at Grafton Cemetery.
Memorial contributions, if desired, my be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105 in memory of Jill A. Johnson.