Tammy Johnson

Tammy Marie Johnson, 59 years old, a long-time resident of Equinunk, Pennsylvania, passed away on June 5, 2025, in a tragic traffic accident. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to everyone she knew. Known for her strong personality and outspoken nature, Tammy left a lasting impression on everyone she met and even some who didn’t know her at all.

Born on November 5, 1965, in Port Jervis, New York, Tammy was the daughter of Joan and Wayne Cronk. As a child, she loved going to the roller-skating rink and developed a passion for roller skating and ice skating, which she shared with her mother into and throughout her adult life. Tammy also loved nature and animals from a young age. She always had a house full of animals because she loved them all. Tammy adopted hundreds of dogs, cats, horses, and birds, and she always made room for “just one more” even when she didn’t have any more room.

On September 2, 1995, Tammy married the love of her life, Chris Johnson, in Equinunk, Pennsylvania. Their long-lasting marriage was a testament to the deep love and commitment they shared for each other. Together, they raised a beautiful family that brought endless joy to Tammy’s life through her children and grandchildren. In her free time, Tammy could be found teaching Chris how to fix things around the house, planting things in her garden, or supervising the building of a massive swing set for their grandchildren in the yard. Tammy enjoyed the simple joys of life and often found comfort in exploring nature’s beauty.

Tammy was a true force to be reckoned with. She was outgoing, confident, and always up for a good laugh. But she wasn’t just about herself; she had a big heart and a talent for helping others. She was a pillar of support for those who didn’t have a voice, from kids to animals. Tammy always made it her mission to speak for those who couldn’t or maybe wouldn't. She never shied away from giving to those in need, even when she didn’t have it to give.

Tammy’s career as a home care aide showed how much she cared about helping others. She was incredibly dedicated to her work and always went the extra mile, showing up on her day off and making sure not only the patient was taken care of but the family as well. She made a lasting impression on her patients and their families, and she inspired countless young people to achieve their dreams during her time working at Job Corps of Callicoon, New York. Tammy’s unwavering support and drive for success were truly inspiring to all those who knew her.

Tammy’s family and friends will remember her fondly and miss her dearly. She is survived by her loving husband of thirty years, Chris Johnson from Equinunk Pennsylvania; her mother, Joan McArdelle from Warm Springs, Georgia; four sons: Jason Van Zile (Megan) from Branford, Florida; Damien Chernoff from Oxford, New York; Jacob Chernoff from Binghamton, New York; Ethan Chernoff (Candace) from Montrose, Pennsylvania; one daughter, Cheyenne Johnson from Honesdale, Pennsylvania. She also has a sister, Cheryl Korotky (Fred) from Equinunk, Pennsylvania; two brothers-in-law; Donald Johnson (Lisa) and Albert Johnson; one sister in-law, Dawn Ursino (Tony); nieces: Tracy Dupree (Robert), Chelsea Korotky, Baylee Johnson, Madelyn Johnson, and Stephanie Johnson; nephews: Donny Johnson, Lincoln Holgate, and Logan Ursino; twelve grandchildren; one great-grandchild; several cousins, extended family, and friends. 

Tammy was preceded in death by her father, Wayne Cronk; her uncle, Ralph Wickham; and her beloved maternal grandmother, Gladys Wickham.

A quote from one of Bobby Kennedy’s speeches best describes Tammy’s life, and her family wants to share that with the world: “Few are willing to brave the disapproval of their fellows, the censure of their colleagues, the wrath of their society. Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential, vital quality for those who seek to change a world that yields most painfully to change. And I believe that in this generation those with the courage to enter the moral conflict will find themselves with companions in every corner of the globe.” ~Robert Kennedy

Despite facing loss and adversity, Tammy remained a source of strength and love for everyone around her. Her moral courage and belief in the power of change deeply resonated with her family and friends reminding us all of the importance of standing up for what’s right and advocating for those who had no voice. That’s how she lived, and that’s how we will remember her.

A memorial service for Tammy will be at a later date.