Elizabeth J. "Betty" (Hozempa) Johnson

NEW SALEM- Elizabeth “Betty” Jean (Hozempa) Johnson, 75 of New Salem, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, after a period of declining health.

Betty was born on February 26, 1950, to Raymond I. Hozempa and Elizabeth A. (Palace) Hozempa.  She was the only daughter among 8 children born to her parents.  Betty was predeceased by her parents and three of her brothers.

In 1974, Betty married her beloved husband, Russell S. Johnson, Jr.  They recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary on February 2nd, just three days prior to her passing. Betty is survived by her husband, Russell, her daughter Jennifer, and son-in-law, Gregory Stevens.  She also leaves behind her cherished only grandchild, Daniel Stevens.

There will be no services and internment will be private.

If you would like to memorialize Betty, please consider making a gift to the New England Center for Stroke Research at UMass Chan Medical School.  Please make checks payable to UMass Chan Medical School and mail to UMass Chan Medical School, Office of Advancement, 55 Lake Ave. North, S1-117, Worcester, MA 01655.  Please note NECSR and Betty’s name on the check. Gifts may also be made online at https://umassmed.edu/give

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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