A Passion For Art and GBMC

When you entered Ro Johnson’s Blakehurst apartment, you knew immediately that you were in for a visual treat!  The very heart of all of Ro’s passions were laid out before you – the beautiful fireplace mantel Ro and her husband, Johnny, restored for a previous home and which Ro lovingly brought to Blakehurst, the cabinet that Johnny constructed many years ago and a varied and eclectic collection of paintings, lithographs and, the newest member of the collection, a beautiful piece of hand blown glass prominently displayed on a table. 

Ro and her husband, Dr. Marius “Johnny” Johnson, had been an essential part of the GBMC family for many years.  Dr. Johnson played a prominent role in the establishment of the GBMC tradition of excellence in medical care and commitment to serving every patient’s needs through his practice of obstetrics and gynecologic medicine at GBMC for 42 years. 

Rosalie “Ro” Johnson, a generous and dedicated supporter of GBMC’s Virginia Sherwood Council and the Elizabeth Yaggy Society, had directed her contributions to the establishment of the Marius P. Johnson Gynecologic Library Fund in honor of her husband Johnny’s dedication to the field of gynecology at GBMC.

Ro’s career was in broadcasting and advertising in New York for 13 years.  She and Johnny married in 1965.  They shared a love of art and music, but there was always time for vacations to many lands and favorite destinations – including Cape Cod and Nantucket.  Since settling in Baltimore, Ro had been actively involved with The Walters, Towson University Fine Arts Department, Asian Arts Cultural Center, The Auburn Society, Three Arts Club of Homeland, Baltimore School for the Arts, Baltimore Opera Guild, National Aquarium, Top of the World/World Trade Center, and other organizations over the years.  At Blakehurst, her reputation preceded her, and she was asked to serve on all the cultural committees, arranging for speakers, performers, etc. for the programs. 

“GBMC has been an important part of my life for 48 years, and I’d just like to help them continue their mission in providing the highest quality medical care available to the community,” said Ro.  Our good friend Ro Johnson passed away peacefully in her sleep, at The Gilchrist Center, Hospice of Baltimore on July 7, 2004.  We at GBMC will always be grateful for her friendship, support and, most of all, her beautiful smile.