Listen to Obituary
Connie Birdsall Johnson, a woman of boundless grace, deep devotion, and quiet strength, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025, in Saratoga Springs, Utah, at the age of 81. Her life, beautifully lived, was a testament to the power of love, family, and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.
Born on December 15, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Homer Gilbert Birdsall Jr. and Edith Arlene Budd, Connie grew up with a strong sense of purpose, refined manners, and an appreciation for the little things—values that would guide her throughout her life.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Utah and went on to become a beloved teacher, touching the lives of countless students with her warmth, patience, and belief in their potential. Her passion for education didn’t stop in the classroom—she established a scholarship fund to ensure that higher education felt like a “when,” not an “if,” for the young people she cared so deeply about.
Connie was a devoted and lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her faith guided her every step and was at the heart of how she lived, served, and loved. On June 28, 1968, she was sealed to her eternal sweetheart, Fred Wallace Johnson, in the Salt Lake City Temple—a union that became the cornerstone of her life and the love story she cherished most.
Connie had a keen eye for beauty and detail. She delighted in elegant table settings, crafted intricate ceramics, and found joy in selecting the perfect outfit—especially for her grandchildren, whom she adored beyond measure. From savoring Dungeness crab by the sea to reading children’s books aloud with spark and animation, Connie lived a life full of affection, tradition, and deep connection.
She was lovingly meticulous, always making sure every grandchild received equal gifts—a trait she inherited from her beloved mother. She taught her granddaughters to be gracious and poised, and her grandsons to be respectful and kind. Though she valued etiquette and decorum, Connie’s humility never faltered. She wore her locket—containing a cherished photo of her and Fred—close to her heart every day, an enduring symbol of the love that anchored her life.
Above all, Connie’s greatest joy was her family. She was their steady guide, their loving listener, and their most enthusiastic supporter.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Fred, and their three sons:
David and his wife Lynette, and their children: Annie (with husband Jared and children Eli and Sylvie), Megan, Zach (Baylee), Kate, Mary, and Jane
Dan and his wife Jen, and their children: Hailey, Abby, Rachel, Joe and Ruth
Darren and his wife Traci, and their children: Emmie, Allie, Eliza, Spencer, and Lincoln
She is also survived by her dear sisters: Kathy Symes, and her husband Glade; and Linda Hearty, and her husband Pat. Her legacy lives on in the lives of her three children, sixteen grandchildren, and soon-to-be three great-grandchildren—each one a testament to her love, faith, and example.
A viewing will be held on Friday, October 3rd, from 9:00–10:00 a.m., followed by funeral services from 10:30–11:30 a.m. at 1273 Regal View Dr, Saratoga Springs, UT 84103. Interment will follow at a nearby cemetery.
Connie’s influence will ripple on in every table set with care, every book read to a child, every student reaching for their dreams, and every moment spent in love and purpose.
Guestbook/Condolences
The love between the Sherwoods and the Johnsons has not diminished with time or distance. I know my Dad is there with treats, card games, and a joke or two to welcome one of the most wonderful people we have had the privilege to call a friend.
Connie's warmth and kindness shaped so many of our memories. Our families grew up together, just five houses apart. She was a constant—a neighbor, a friend, and someone who made life richer through her influence. I can still hear her laugh in my mind.
Our hearts are with Fred and the whole family. We will always treasure having known her, and wish we could be with you to celebrate her with you.
With love and joy in eternal blessings,
Jason & Andi Sherwood
PS - Please feel the warmth and love from my Mom as well.
Congratulations on your successful mortal journey. I’m grateful for the years you spent as my dearest friend. Welcome back home.
With love, Sharon 🌹
One of our Heavenly Father’s loveliest angels, always a ready smile, a helping hand. A true friend. Til we meet again…
Fred and family,
Have enjoyed you and your family thru the years, and missed you and Connie when you moved to Utah.
Love to you.
Bart, Carol Withers
And Family.
I was very sorry to read of Connie’s passing. My sincere condolences to all.
The entire Birdsall family was an important part of my life. I have known Connie since we were eight years old. I was fond of the entire family but particularly Connie and her father Homer. Connie because we are the same age. We grew up together through church classes and elementary, junior high and high school and participated in a lot of fun and meaningful activities together. Homer because he was such an important person to me as a young man. He was aware of me and sincerely cared about me and provided a positive influence through our conversations and his caring actions.
What a beautiful family.
They are an example of what a good and solid American family should be.
Fred: I’m sorry sorry to hear of the passing of Connie. I will always regard her as one of my dearest friends. She influenced my life in so many ways. I’m a teacher in part because of her. I learned to be a mother partly because of her and I gained a testimony of Jesus Christ because of her love.
I could make many remarks of Fred and Connie's love story but I need to mention my favorite memory.
I was visiting in their home one night and we were going out somewhere. Fred and I were in the living room waiting for Connie when she came in. Without a word being spoken she held out her hands holding a pair of earrings which Fred took, also not speaking a word and lovingly and almost reverently took the earrings and put them into her ears.
This to me was a special look at their eternal love in action.
Love you Fred and wish I could be there with you at this time.
My favorite Uncle in the whole world. Mike and I are in Taiwan 🇹🇼 this week but you’ve been on my mind the entire time. I wanted you to know how much I love you and how I’ve always felt loved and appreciated by your entire family through out the years. I had mixed emotions when I heard about Connie. Heartbreak for you and this clear happiness for her that she is having right now.
She always made me feel so safe and accepted as a young girl. I’m sure you wouldn’t remember this but Connie sent me some denim jeans that gathered at the bottom with a silver button for Christmas one year. Kinda like MC hammer pants 👖
They were my absolute favorite pants I owned. I was somewhere between the age of 10-13. The hardest age to feel accepted and your classy lady found a trendy outfit for me that I was always hold close to that little Turi. (Brings tears to my eyes) Thank you for sharing her with the rest of us. I will always remember her kindness, soft spoken voice, cozy decorated home, beautiful red hair and her love for your family.
I hope tomorrow is filled with loving memories. I love you
I was really impressed by the love between Connie and Fred. Such a great example of a husband and a wife. Now Connie is embraced by the love of the Lord.
Rest in the Peace of God, Connie
Love, Chi
Connie will be missed.
Dear Fred and family,
It was so good to see you at Connie's Service Friday. It had been way too long since the four of us were together. Dick and I had so many great memories of the four of us together from the time we got married and started our families to his passing and then Connie's.
Connie was more than a friend, she was my sister. I'm so grateful for both of your friendship throughout the years.
I'm glad you were able to move back to Utah from Portland and be home again.
There were so many memories where we laughed and bonded together.
To my dear, dear friends I will always remember you with the deepest of a grateful heart.
Much love,
Sherrie Kearney Riley
Dear Fred and family, we were so sorry to hear of Connie's passing. We have such fond memories of you all. We remember when we visited with your family in Portland
You were all so sweet and helpful to us. Connie was a wonderful lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Love Doug, Kathy and family.
So very sorry for your loss. Connie was a shining light for all fourth graders at David Hill School. My sincere condolences.
Barbara Robinson(Connie’s co-teacher at David Hill)
My Dearest Connie: Thank you for the wonderful memories I have of you when we worked together at David Hiil School in Hillboro OR.
Your love for children reflected in you the love you had for God. He was your guiding light to give love to lots of our needing kids. You were a great example to me as a new child in Christ. We'll see you again. I know you are rejoicing in loving arms of Jesus. My most deepest sympathy to all of you for the loss of your most beloved wife, mother & family. In His name!
Dora Cooper
I'm so sorry to hear of Connie's passing. I always enjoyed spending time in her classroom when I was principal at David Hill Elementary.