Rose A. (Gaughan) Johnson

Lt. Cdr. Rose A. (Gaughan) Johnson, Retired, 96, Indianapolis, passed away peacefully at home December 30, 2021. Rosie was born July 27, 1925, in Indianapolis, to the late Patrick and Delia (Conway) Gaughan. She married the late Charles “Chuck” Johnson on August 31, 1971, and they were married for 25 years prior to his death. They lived in New Jersey for many years, but she moved back to Indianapolis to be closer to her siblings and beloved nieces and nephews after Chuck’s death.

Rosie attended St. Catherine Grade School and graduated from St. John Academy and St. Vincent School of Nursing. She worked at St. Vincent Hospital for several years, prior to joining the United States Navy. She traveled the world serving as a Navy Nurse from 1958-1978 and retired as a Lieutenant Commander. Rosie remained proud of her service to her country and was a member of American Legion Post 355, Military Officers’ Association of America, Navy Nurse Corp Association, Women’s Auxiliary Post 88, and a charter member of Women in Military Service for America.

Rosie was a devout Catholic and loyal member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church. She was also a strong supporter the CYO, Bishop Simon Brute Seminary, St. Meinrad Seminary, Miracle Place, and Sisters of St. Benedict. Rosie stayed busy as an active participant in the lives of her nieces and nephews and their families. She also enjoyed attending Legion activities, crocheting, and always looked forward to her annual outing to the Golden Ace to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Patrick Gaughan, Jane E. O’Malia, Mary Allen, and Helen P. Dale; one stepson, Frank Johnson.

Survivors include her nieces and nephews, Patrick (Karen) O’Malia, Maureen (Mike) Leslie, Monica (Eric) Baugh, and Sean O’Malia; Dave “Crockett” (Chris) Allen, Robert (Peggy) Allen II, Eileen Allen, and Linda (Greg) Bamrick; Kathleen S. (Bill) Hammons and Cynthia L. Alexander; a host of great nieces & nephews; step children, Charles “Chuck” Johnson III, Janice Morgan, and Andrew Johnson.

Rosie’s Life Celebration® Visitation will be Friday, January 7, 2022, 4 to 8 p.m., at the O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis. Prayers will begin at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, January 8, 2022, at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., in Good Shepherd Catholic Church. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the CYO or to Bishop Simon Brute Seminary. Visit www.ORileyFuneralHome.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.