Maria "Guia" Vidal Johnson
August 15, 1947 ~ December 21, 2024
Maria "Guia" Vidal Johnson, 77, Retired Aviation Translator, passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024.
Rosary will be at 5:00 pm, Sunday, December 29, 2024; Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am, Monday, December 30, 2024, both at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.
Guia was a wonderful wife, devoted mother and beloved “Vovó” to her netinhos. She was born in Campina Grande, Paraiba in Brazil on August 15, 1947. She was joined in marriage in 1977 with Bob Johnson and eventually settled in Wichita, Kansas in 1985. She primarily worked as an Aviation Translator for Brazilian Pilots at FlightSafety International for more than 35 years. As an active member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Guia loved to volunteer as Usher, Greeter, and never missed eating donuts with her grandkids. She loved to travel and made friends with everyone she met (and always inviting them over for a cafezinho). Her fun-loving spirit, enthusiasm for life, and pride in her Brazil was shared with all her friends and family.
Preceded in death by her parents, Jose Abilio da Silva and Francisca Vidal de Negreiros; husband, Robert "Bob" Johnson; sister, Marinete Vidal Da Silva; in-laws, Lloyd and Merideth "Midge" Johnson.
Survived by her daughters, Melissa (Sean) Conley, Emily (Jorge) Fernandez; grandchildren, Isabella and Rafael Fernandez, all of Wichita; sister, Anna Lucia Vidal of Campina Grande, Brazil; many nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and extended family.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with: St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1321 N. Stratford, Wichita, KS 67206.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.
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Guia was my first Brazilian friend upon my arrival to the US. Always ready to get together, enjoy life and introduce me to the many people that arrived from Brazil as pilots. She shared her home readily, and went out of the way to welcome as many Brazilian immigrants as possible. Guia will be missed but her legacy will live ob. RIP querida Guia!
Guia and I met “by accident” one day when she was taking a pilot who wanted to brush up on his English at Catholic Charities, a school I volunteered at. After that encounter she became a very important person in my life (and later, my wife’s life as well). Whenever I felt homesick missing my family, culture and customs of Northern Brazil, Guia was always there representing our country with much pride through hosting many fun parties playing “forro” music, and serving “feijoada”. Guia was an incredible force for good in this world making friends internationally, helping those in need, translating courses for pilots so they could fly safely, raising two outstanding daughters, and devoting much of her time to her family, friends, and the church. I’ll miss our phone conversations, laughters, and being around her whenever we could. Now she’s in our Heavenly Father’s loving arms… We love you Guia! Marcelo and Deborah
I met my dear friend Guia in 1999. Ever since I met her, I have considered her part of my family. We have always told each other that we were brothers. I consider her a sister now in my heart and in my memories. On my last visit to Wichita, I went with her and her family to a farm fair in Hutchinson. It was a fun day. She was as happy as ever. My friend (sister) is now with Jesus Christ and is certainly happy! I will keep her in my fond memories and prayers for her. Rest in peace, my dear Guia Johnson.
We had the privilege of meeting an illustrious person who was part of a fantastic history in aviation as an interpreter, helped many pilots in Brazil since the 80s. We will always remember you, eternal Guia. You will make heaven much more fun with your smile.
Rest in peace, Guia Johnson!
Fábio Abreu and Rafael Abreu
Guide our aunt, and great aunt as she liked to be called.
Whenever she came to Brazil, she made a point of gathering the “Little Family” to have lunch together, it was a party.
We’ll be around here remembering the incredible moments she gave us.
Antonino, Nívea, Augusto, Anderson and Camila
Guia was one of the most extraordinary human beings that I’ve ever met in my entire life.
A friend is something to keep close to the left side of your chest, even if time and distance say no! One day, friend, I’ll meet you again!
Tia Guia, nos momentos mais difíceis a Sra. esteve por perto para auxiliar prontamente. Agradeço pelas boas lembranças de momentos alegres nas reuniões de família, pelo exemplo de dedicação, persistência e superação de desafios, pelo exemplo de bondade e amor ao próximo. Vá em paz e brilhe no céu! Te amamos pra sempre…
Vovó, We love you & miss you!!
Too many good memories Guia
We miss you so much
Rest in peace
Guia, you will be so dearly missed at FlightSafety. I will miss catching up with you and talking about my daughter. Thank you for always being so kind to me and taking great care of our clients. May you be in peace.
Mamãe Guia, já sinto falta dos seus abraços, visitas e histórias. Vou me lembrar de você sempre como a pessoa mais altruísta que já conheci.Eu me consolo em saber que você está cuidando de mim. Voe alto, doce anjo.
Guia,
As we always said, we were more than just friends—we were family. And many times, we were also neighbors. I’ll miss the calls, the visits, the tears we shared, and especially the laughter that always filled the spaces between us.
You were a true sister to me, and now that you’re gone, my heart feels the emptiness of your absence. I find comfort in knowing we shared so much, and I will carry those memories with me always.
Rest in peace, my sister. You will never be forgotten.
With all my love,
Ana
Guia…
Quantas lembranças boas você vai deixar, comemorar a vida, comer bolo com sorvete, assistir novelas e filmes, andar a pé pelas ruas Tambaú. Coisas simples que fizemos juntas, cada momento me recordo com saudade. Te amarei eternamente!
Que Deus a receba em Seus braços misericordiosos e que nós, seus familiares, possamos nos recordar de ótimos momentos que vivemos juntos. Vá em paz tia Guia!!!
With love and prayers of healing for Melissa, Emily and all the family.
Deus te receba guia na sua infinita misericórdia. o que fica são as lembranças alegre compartilhada entre amigos e familiares.
Vá em paz, tia Guia.
Uma pessoa amável, sorridente, alegre, prestativa, sempre disposta a ajudar.
Descanse em paz querida mommy Guia. Jamais te esquecerei!
Com amor,
Renatha
Guia was such a wonderful person. She was always willing to lend a hand to her friends and family. She often put others first even above her own self. She was a true friend and mother figure to many of us Brazilians living in Wichita. I have such great memories of Guia at the house, where she often had people over for a party or simply to have some ‘bolo e café’. She will be missed by us all! May she rest in peace.
Guia!! Obrigada por tudo que fez por nós. Te amaremos para sempre! Será sempre lembrada e guardada em nossos corações. Você será mais um anjinho em nossa vidas!
. Lu, Fa, Bi, Ba, Brady, Michael e Cora.
We love you Tia Guia!
Guia era uma pessoa muito especial! Tinha uma energia incrível! Mulher guerreira que lutou por seus sonhos! Amava ajudar e fazer amigos. Somos grata por fazer parte desses.
Que Deus a tenha e a guarde em um lugar bem lindo para ela descansar e possa nos vigiar lá de cima!
Te amamos, mommy Guia!
Obrigada por tudo!
Grande amiga Guia, você foi chamada de volta por nosso Criador, tenho a certeza que você está ao lado dele, você deixa muita saudade, mas também te agradeço por eu ter a oportunidade de ser seu amigo.
Melissa e Emily sintam-se abraçadas, e que o nosso senhor conforte seus corações
Luiz e Solange. (Recife – Brasil)
Guia, uma pessoa de coração maravilhoso e querida por todos da aviação. Sentirei saudades das ligações por vídeo e risadas.
Que nosso bom Deus a receba e conforte a família por essa irreparável perda.