By Clyde Noel

Susanna “Susi” Johnson, 78, the wife of three-time Los Altos Hills mayor Robert Johnson, died Nov. 27.

Although she endured two years of great physical and spiritual distress, she died peacefully in her home with close relatives in attendance.

A native of Austria, Mrs. Johnson was an interpreter during the World War II occupation years, assigned to work with Irish Brigade Captain Robert Johnson. Three years later, in 1949, they were married.

“She was a great teacher; and in the European custom, when I asked her parents’ permission to marry her, I spoke in German,” Robert said.

The couple came to the United States when Hewlett Packard brought Mr. Johnson here to work. They lived in Los Altos Hills for 37 years. In 1972, Susi went into real estate and continued working for local realty offices until Robert went into politics.

“Behind every great statesman stands a woman, and Susi was that woman for our councilman,” said friend Duffy Price. “I will always remember her for her graciousness, elegance and kindness.”

“I met Susi at any number of civic events and she was warm and easy to talk with,” said Los Altos councilman John Moss. “My impression is she was Bob’s support person who enabled him to give so much to the community.”

Messages of condolence swamped Robert’s computer with e-mails from residents, friends and past political partners offering their tributes for a lost friend.

“What a wonderful 53 years you had with Susi. I loved her dearly,” said friend Toni Casey. “I am so glad to have known such a fabulous, kind and thoughtful woman. She represents the best in human beings.”

“Susi was unlike any other, she was a bundle of love and sincerity that reminded me of my parents and families of caring ladies,” said close friend Roger Burnell.

“The most soothing ointment is to treasure the many unforgettable moments and to praise God for having graced the earth and (allowing us to) be touched with her presence.”

Mrs. Johnson is survived by her husband Robert; children Rebecca Mann of London and Michael Johnson of Hayward; three grandchildren; and sisters, Eva Chamela of Toronto and Dorothy Watson of Eastborne, England.

“Susi and I have always had a dislike for a formal memorial service and she asked that we not have one,” her husband said. “Susi was cremated and the interment was private.”