Probably the only positive of being diagnosed with small-cell lung cancer is that you get to write your own obituary. Michel uses the words of her obituary to thank the people closest to her for loving her, teaching her, and being in her life.

Michel Marie Johnson passed away peacefully at her home in Red Beach, surrounded by her loving family on June 12, 2025. She was born on August 24, 1956 in Detroit, Michigan to Gerald and Lucille Brabbs. She grew up in a happy home with her parents, her sister Pam, and brother Jerry. In 1975, she met the love of her life, Norman Johnson, in Valdosta, Georgia while he was there serving in the U.S. Air Force. When he completed his tour of duty, they moved to Calais, Maine where they were married and enjoyed a lifetime of love and laughter together.

Michel's favorite place to be was surrounded by family and friends at the Johnson family camp on Big Lake, where she spent a lot of time since moving to Maine. After retirement, Michel and Norman loved spending winters in Florida with her sister and best friend, Pam.

Michel loved the outdoors, boating, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, and fishing. She had a special gift of laughter and was blessed with many close friends from every age and all walks of life, and she thanked God for all of them each day. Although Michel was not blessed with children of her own, she loved kids, and they all loved her. Michel also loved animals. As a young girl, you never knew what stray she would be bringing home. She had lots of dogs throughout her life and loved them with all her heart.

Michel was an active member in her community. Over her years in Calais, she was a member of the JCs, American Legion, and Moose and 4-H Clubs. She loved playing cards, Bingo, Backgam-mon, and Show Me the Money

Michel was predeceased by her mother and father, Jerry and Lucy Brabbs; brother, Jerry Brabbs Jr.; nephew, Michael Hamilton; mother and father-in-law, Jean and Rocky Johnson; brother-in-law, Johnny Johnson; sister-in-law, Cindy Johnson Tinker; and close friend, Bonnie Moholland She is survived by her husband, Norman Johnson; sister, Pamala Hart; sister-in-law, Judy Brabbs; niece Kristina Hanson; great niece, Chelsea Cochran; great nephew, Jaleigh Hamilton; and very special friends, Kelly McCoubrey, Shelia Curran, Kathy Kelley, Kathy Savage, Beth Hinson, Tracey Oliva, and many other friends too numerous to mention but each and every one meant the world to her.

Michel wanted to say a very special thanks to her sister and best friend, Pam, for leaving her home in Florida to come live with and care for her and Norman during the last and hardest days of her life, Kelly McCoubrey for praying with her and leading her closer to the lord, Nancy Walker for accompanying her on the long medical flight to Boston, Sherry and Ron Johnson for Michel's favorite meatloaf dinners they often made and delivered, Dr. Jacquelin Russell who went above and beyond to make sure Michel was as comfortable as possible, and CHCS Home Health/Hospice staff for their loving and supportive care. Michel was a beloved wife, sister, aunt, and friend; her absence will be profoundly felt by all whose lives she touched. Her spirit and kindness will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for some poor, unfortunate soul in Michel's name.

A celebration of Michel's life will be held for family and friends at Pottle's Potato House on Shattuck Road in Red Beach on June 29 from 2-4 p.m.

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