Valerie Anne "Val" Johnson, 69, of Braintree, formerly of Abington, passed away surrounded by love at the Pat Roche Hospice House on the morning of Jan 2, 2026 following a fearless journey with cancer.

Born in Quincy, Valerie was the eldest of three children born to the late John F. and Jessie M. (MacKay) Johnson. She worked for many years in the automotive industry most recently as a manager, forensic accountant, for Quirk Auto Dealerships. Nobody worked for her but worked with her.

After graduating from Braintree High School in 1974, Valerie continued her education at the University of Massachusetts, Boston in 1979. She was a music teacher with the Quincy Public School system, which was her first love, giving private lessons for over 20 years. For several years Valerie was the soprano soloist and handbell choir director at First Congregational Church of Braintree.

Her love of music encompassed many genres, attending live performances at her second home in Boston Symphony Hall as well as Kiss108FM concerts, Jonas Brothers, Rollings Stones, Sarah Brightman, Michael Bublé, Jon Batiste, and most recently Maroon 5 on November 22, 2025.

Valerie also enjoyed theatrical productions at another of her favorite venues, The Company Theatre. She also attended many on and off-Broadway performances: Jesus Christ Superstar, Tina Turner the Musical, Fiddler on the Roof, The Orchard, A Christmas Story, and Hamilton which was her favorite.

Valerie was a passionate top fan and season ticket holder of the Boston Bruins for many years. Her adventurous spirit led her to travel the world to such places as Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Italy, Spain, France, Ireland, England, Iceland, and the Caribbean.

In addition to her parents, Valerie is preceded in death by her siblings Heather and Jack. Cherished "Auntie Barry" to Justina, Caroline, Mary and Freddy; grandnephews Cameron, Jax and Finnegan; grandnieces Alaina and MacKay, sister-in-law Patricia, dear cousins Jim, Gayle, Sue, Rob, Alex, Luke, Jimmy, Jay, Jen, Emma and Hannah. Valerie also leaves behind numerous beloved friends and her loyal dog Joy. 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a graveside service on Saturday, January 24th at 10:00am in Mount Wollaston Cemetery, Quincy.  Those attending are kindly asked to meet at the Sea Street entrance to the cemetery at 9:45am. A celebration of Valerie's life will be held at a later date.

Donations in Valerie's memory may be made to The Marge Crispin Center, 46 Lincoln Street, Braintree, MA 02184 or The Atlantic Symphony Orchestra P.O. Box 259, Hingham, MA 02043.