Founder of Drop in the Bucket Foundation dies at 39

Staff report

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 and 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 are from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Rossi Bros. & Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave., Boardman. A Mass will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday in St. Rose Church, 48 Main St., Girard. A lunch will follow the Mass.

The Drop In The Bucket Foundation will carry on in Johnson’s memory. Wish applications are being accepted through Aug. 31. Visit www.ditbwish.com to learn more.

The organization will celebrate its one-year anniversary and Johnson’s memory with a wine and beer tasting from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 4 at Mastropietro Winery, 14558 Ellsworth Road in Berlin Center.

Tickets are $35 per person and include entertainment, a basket raffle, dinner, dessert and four samples of wine or craft beer. For tickets in advance, call Danette at 330-770-0099 or Tim at 330-333-4308 by Friday.