Arlene Virginia (Philbrook) Johnson, obituary

Mon, 01/29/2018 - 11:15am

VINALHAVEN - Arlene Virginia (Philbrook) Johnson, 87, loving wife, mother and grandmother, died peacefully with family by her side December 15, 2017 at Pen Bay Medical Center after a very brief illness. 

Born, September 13, 1930 to Capt. Charles and Ruth Chandler Philbrook, Arlene, along with four brothers and three sisters, grew up on Vinalhaven. Arlene graduated from the Vinalhaven School in 1948.

On July 15, 1950 Arlene married her husband of 67 years, Bruce Gordon Johnson. They spent their life together on Vinalhaven, but Arlene loved traveling. They made many trips to Florida with their son, Brian.  A very memorable trip she took was to Scotland with one of her sisters. 

Arlene held many positions over the course of her career. She delivered milk, worked at the fish factory, was a bank teller, bookkeeper and homemaker. 

Her life was also filled with community involvements and volunteer commitments. She was a member of the Union Church of Vinalhaven, serving as a deacon, and member of the Sunshine Committee and Union Church Circle. She enjoyed participating in Coats for Kids, Jingle Bells & Operation Christmas Child. Her favorite life roll was being a mother and grandmother. 

Predeceased by her parents; two brothers, Frank and Karl Philbrook; a sister Mildred Raynes; Arlene is survived by her husband, Bruce; son Brian Johnson and his wife Stephanie Mills; three grandchildren, Kylene Johnson, Cole Mills, Myra Mills; brothers, Lawrence Philbrook and his wife Leanette, Harold Philbrook; sisters, Madelyn Hildings, Doris Grant and her husband, Lewis, and several nieces and nephews. 

A service to celebrate Arlene’s life will be held in the spring.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Eldercare’s Meals on Wheels or the Union Church Lunchbox in Arlene’s name. 

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.  To share a memory or condolence with the Johnson family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com