Elidia A. Johnson

Elidia A. Johnson, 86, of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, NM, passed away peacefully at home on March 10, 2025. She was born on November 19, 1938, in Santa Fe, NM, to William and Piedad Antoine.

Elidia was preceded in death by her parents, William and Piedad Antoine; her husband, Harold Johnson; her sister, Pauline Antoine; and her grandson, James Johnson Jr.

She is survived by her five children: Charles Johnson (Matt), Theresa Paisano (John), James Johnson (Sonia), Sharon Zook (Duane), and Suzanne Johnson. She also leaves behind eight cherished grandchildren and 12 beloved great-grandchildren.

Elidia was a devoted member of the Tewa Women’s Choir and the Kateri Tekakwitha Circle. She took great pride in her cultural heritage and enjoyed weaving traditional belts as part of the Oke Owingeh Coop. A 1957 graduate of Loretto School for Girls, she dedicated many years to teaching at Ohkay Owingeh Head Start and Ohkay Owingeh Community School, nurturing young minds in her community.

In her early years, she was raised in Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo by her mother and grandparents, Crucita and Pablo Cruz, where she grew up speaking Tewa as her first language. Elidia’s love for her family, culture, and faith shaped her life and left a lasting impact on those who knew her.

Her kindness, wisdom, and dedication to her family and community will be deeply missed.

Services were held on Wednesday March 12th 2025, at Ohkay Owingeh Bautista Catholic Church with burial at Ohkay Owingeh cemetery. Pallbearers were James Johnson, Anthony Kedge, Nathaniel Kedge, Kristoffer Sandoval, Matt Harriman, Duane Zook, Marcos Trujillo, Matt Spanjers, Shane Crossland, and Richie Jiron.

Thank you to those who contributed monetary gifts, food and support. Our family truly appreciates your kindness in our time of mourning.