Ruth Waters Johnson, mother, friend and grandmother, died on Saturday, March 2 at the age of 85.

Born outside Philadelphia in 1927, Ruth lived life full-tilt, from the sidewalks of New York to the beaches of her beloved Aquinnah. Previously married to Dr. Alan Johnson, she shared her extraordinary energy, humor and passion for life with the people dearest to her: her three children, Eleanor, of Burlington, Vt.; Amy, of Quincy, Mass.; and David, of Kennebunkport, Me.; their spouses, Samuel Osborne and Elizabeth Johnson; and her beloved grandchildren: Erik, Alex and Ben Osborne, and George, Thomas Ben and Annie Johnson.

Ruth will be remembered by all as a fiercely loving mother and grandmother, a devoted Vineyard resident and a dear friend. A service will be held on Saturday, March 23 at 11:30 a.m. at the Church on the Cape, Cape Porpoise, Kennebunkport, Me. As per her wishes, there will be a burial service for family and friends later this summer on Martha’s Vineyard.