Orono, Maine - Sandra "Sandy" Lane Johnson passed away at her home in Orono, Maine, on March 11, 2026, at the age of 101. Born on December 8, 1924, in St. Paul, Minnesota, she was a very active person with many interests and a zest for living life to its fullest.

She grew up in St. Paul and loved being on a lake, biking, and enjoying the four seasons. During World War II she lived in Laredo, Texas, where her dad was a base commander and where she enrolled in the University of Texas. There she met and married Calvin Johnson, a bomber pilot. After the war Sandy and Cal moved to Maine and purchased a farm on the Main Road in Hampden, first with dairy cows and later with riding horses. Sandy was a riding instructor and one of the founders of the Penobscot Pony Club. In 1959 Sandy and her husband purchased land in Newburgh and, with friends, started Ski Horse Mountain Association, a year-round skiing and riding center. Shortly after they moved Johnson's Farm to Newburgh. In 1966 Sandy started and for 34 years ran Johnson's Farm Riding Camp, her day camp for children, teaching them riding and care of horses. Many campers boarded their horses at Johnson's Farm and spoke of Sandy then and for years after as an amazing mentor. When her husband passed in 1995, Sandy sold the farm, built a house in Orono, and started 30 years of high adventures, canoe trips with Mahoosuc Guide Service; bike trips in Europe, the U.S., and Canada; summer and winter trips to Germany and Austria; cross-country skiing in Norway and Quebec; service on many boards, including the Baxter State Park Board and the Newburgh Land Trust; biking and camping with her close friend, Carol Kelly Cuddy; acting in drama clubs; and participating in book groups.

Sandy is survived by daughter, Jennifer Johnson and Jenny's son, Zachary Winship; son, Peter Johnson and his wife, Christel, and his children, Amanda, Matthew, and their respective children; and too many dear friends to name. She was predeceased by her sister, Deborah Lane; brother, Tom Lane; and son, Mark Johnson.

A celebration of life (which Sandy would have called "her party") is planned for late July. Donations may be made in her memory to the Orono Land Trust.