The Johnson-Williams Family Support Fund

A note from Shannon:

Hello, I apologize for the delay in sending this. Friday was Chris’ birthday. He would have been 52. The kids and I, along with my mom, celebrated him with Five Guys Burgers, a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream cake and the Airplane movie. One of Chris’ favorites and often quoted by him. “Good Luck. We’re all counting on you.” I can’t begin to tell how much your support has meant to me & the kids in the past few months. Thank you for contributing to the GoFundMe that was set up by friends, Kirsty Boyd and Lara Cohen, to help our family. Thanks to you we were and are able to breathe a little and not worry about the immediate finances during this very difficult time. I was able to pay for the kids' summer camps. Since Chris was a teacher, the kids usually hung out with him for most of the summer. We had to pivot and find something for them to do. Charlotte said her camp was one of the highlights of her summer. In addition, we will be able to visit both Chris’ and my family in California for the holidays. We will also use it to pay medical expenses. Finally, we will use any remainder of the funds to support our family while we navigate our new life forward. Chris’ passing was so sudden- we are still in shock, and disbelief but finding our way after five months. Since his passing Matthew has started 10th grade and Charlotte is in 8th grade (her last year at Wellesley Middle School). We survived our first summer without him with tears and laughter with family and friends. There are still a lot of firsts this year but with everyone’s support and Chris’ memories, we know that we will persevere. Your friendship and support has meant the world to us. As I have said before, we have had countless small blessings come out of this tragedy. Chris would have been astounded and humbled by the outpouring of love and support for him and for us. So thank you for honoring him and his legacy. With a deep appreciation for each one of you- Shannon, Matthew and Charlotte Johnson

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The Johnson family tragically lost their beloved husband and father all too suddenly at the end of April. Chris Johnson was the loving husband of Shannon Williams, the devoted father to Matthew and Lottie and an inspiring French teacher to the students and community at Dana Hall School for 22 years.

Chris's passing was a shock to all that know and loved him. Chris took passion in accompanying his children on scouting adventures, traveling as a family and being a part of the Wellesley and Dana Hall communities.

As friends of the family and the Johnson children, we know that many of you want to help Shannon ensure that preparing for her children's future is one less thing for her to worry about. We know that you will wrap your arms around this beautiful family literally and figuratively to support them through this tough time.

If you would like to help in another way, you may also donate to "The Chris Johnson Family Support Trust" by mailing a check to:

The Chris Johnson Family Support Trust,

Middlesex Savings Bank,

Wellesley Branch,

278 Washington Street,

Wellesley, MA 02481.

Thank you all for your love and support. If you have any other questions or ways you would like to support the family, please reach out.

Kirsty & Lara xx