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As received from the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel:
On February 13, Esmé Enes Johnson died unexpectedly in Calumet. She was 24 years old.
Esmé is survived by her parents Keith Johnson and Julie DePaul Johnson of Calumet; her daughter, Stella; her siblings Vince DePaul of Indiana PA, Eric Johnson of Alexandria VA, Ian Johnson of Portland ME, and Louise Johnson of Marietta GA; her grandmother Alice Rastello of Laurium MI, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandfather Charles Rastello.
Esmé was born on February 6, 1997 in Laurium MI. She graduated from Calumet High School in 2015 and went on to attend some classes at Gogebic College. She was a Property Manager of the vacation rental, Stella’s Hideaway.
Esme’s story is best told by her close friends. From her friend Andrea, “Esmé was so beautiful. She was so smart, so creative, so artistic, and so darn goofy. She could make anyone laugh. She was a light and the world will definitely be a darker place without her. I was so lucky to call you my friend and to grow up with you. I’ll never forget all the sleepovers, the art shows, camping together, all the memories you gave me. Thank you Sway. I’ll always love you.”
From her friend Twila, “Esmé and Stella were inseparable. Esmé took such pride in being a mom, and loved to show the world how much that girl was her WORLD. I always saw something really different and special in you. You were actually one in a million, unlike anyone I ever met. I hope you feel nothing but peace and love and all of the most wonderful happy feelings up there. Continue to guide your little girl as her guardian angel. I know it in my soul she will grow up to be the sweetest and most loving woman, and just like her mama, she will change the worlds of anyone she meets.”
From her friend Sebastian, “The most beautiful, outstanding, creative, and down to earth person was taken from us way too soon. Esmé Johnson was never afraid to be herself and I admired her for that. We went through many of the awkward stages of growing up together and I couldn’t have been more honored to be her friend and share these unforgettable memories with her. Many of our memories from CHS were because of you. You always made sure to include everybody and treat people the way they should be treated. We all love you. Until we meet again.”
A memorial service for Esmé is planned for this spring at Stella’s Hideaway.
Graveside services for Charles and Alice Rastello and their granddaughter Esme Johnson are scheduled for Saturday, August 14th at 10:30 a.m. in the Lake View Cemetery Section K with Rev. Fr. Gracious to officiate. Ryan Funeral Home is serving the family.
