In Memoriam: Betty Wold Johnson

We mourn the passing of community leader, and our friend, Betty Wold Johnson. Her profound generosity and impact on her community, both in the Mercer County area and across the state, will be deeply missed.

Mrs. Johnson made an irreplaceable mark on reproductive health care access in New Jersey. As a steadfast donor to Planned Parenthood for almost fifty years, she supported the organization’s work to ensure that access to high-quality, affordable, lifesaving reproductive health care services does not depend on who you are, your income, or your insurance status. In addition to her philanthropy, she served as a Planned Parenthood board member in the Mercer County area. She attended every spring benefit luncheon for nearly thirty years – where, in a display of her ever-present graciousness, she preferred to sit with health center staff, in order to learn from them and hear about their important work, not wanting the spotlight on herself. In 1993, she was the recipient of an annual award given to honor loyal and generous supporters of Planned Parenthood who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of women’s health care.

Triste Brooks, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey (PPNCSNJ), which operates health centers in Mercer County and in counties across the state, shared her sadness on Mrs. Johnson’s passing. “Betty Wold Johnson’s incredible kindness and altruism will support the patients that turn to Planned Parenthood for care for generations to come. She truly shared in our mission to ensure dignity and self-determination for all people.”

Xan Blake, former CEO of Planned Parenthood Association of the Mercer Area, now part of PPNCSNJ, reminisced about the impact Mrs. Johnson had on Planned Parenthood in New Jersey. “In 2008, Planned Parenthood was in the midst of a capital campaign, when the financial crisis occurred. Our organization, as well as our donors, were significantly impacted, and as a result our campaign was falling behind. When Mrs. Johnson heard this, and heard what kind of an effect this would have on Planned Parenthood’s patients in need, she simply wouldn’t have it; her generosity helped guarantee the success of the campaign and kept our health center doors open.”

On behalf of Planned Parenthood, we extend our condolences to Mrs. Johnson’s family and friends. She will be deeply missed – by this organization, and by the entire community.

Pictured: Betty Wold Johnson with PPNCSNJ President and CEO Triste Brooks.