Founder of Drop in the Bucket Foundation dies at 39

POLAND ‚ Diana Johnson, founder of the Drop in the Bucket Foundation, died Sunday at Hospice House in Poland at age 39.

Johnson of Girard suffered from Common Variable Immune Deficiency, a disorder that impairs the immune system.

In 2015, after receiving a terminal diagnosis, Johnson took stock of her bucket list and decided to help others by starting her own wish-granting foundation.

Drop in the Bucket, which operates under the Community Foundation of Western Pennsylvania & Eastern Ohio, grants the wishes of terminally or chronically ill adults in Mahoning, Columbiana and Trumbull counties.

The foundation granted its first wish in 2015 to Darlene Fitzgerald of Youngstown, who was terminally ill with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Johnson’s work with Drop in the Bucket was the subject of Vindicator articles in October and December 2015.

Calling hours for Johnson will be 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave., Boardman. A Mass will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Rose Church, 48 Main St., in Girard. A lunch will follow the Mass.