Catherine M. Johnson

Catherine M. “Cathy” Johnson, 58, of South Abington Township, Pa., died peacefully at home on Tuesday surrounded by her family after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

She is survived by her husband, Al Slavin; a son, Roy Slavin, of Denver, Co.; her mother, Mary Jane Johnson, of Bradenton, Fla.; and a brother, Ed Johnson (wife Lauren), of Steamboat Springs, Co. She was preceded in death by her father, Edwin H. Johnson, who passed away in 2024. Additional survivors include her brothers-in-law, Kevin (Wendy) Slavin of Branchville, NJ; and Tim and Peter Slavin, both of Dover, De.

She grew up in Union, NJ and graduated from Rutgers University, where she competed in NCAA Division 1 gymnastics. A lifelong educator, Cathy’s first teaching job was in inner city Baltimore. She returned home to New Jersey and taught in the Deerfield and Clinton school districts. Cathy then achieved her lifelong dream of moving to Alaska. She taught English on a military base in Fairbanks, and then at a middle school there. Cathy and her husband later relocated to the Camden, Me. area, where she also taught middle school English. She was a beloved language arts teacher at Abington Heights Middle School for the past 23 years. Cathy was also a proud Eagle Scout mother and a volunteer with Clarks Green Boy Scout Troop 251.

It was through teaching that she developed some of her closest and longest lasting friendships with colleagues, many of whom remained very close. The family recognizes and appreciates the support from these friends, and the kindness and care of Dr. Brian Frantz and also the Allied Services nursing staff. Aside from her son, her pride and joy was a lending library that her father built in his workshop and drove up from Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor her memory by donating a favorite children’s book to a lending library near you.

Visitation for family and friends will be on Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm at Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 418 S. State Street, Clarks Summit. Interment will be held later at the convenience of the family.