Melinda J. Johnson

Melinda J. Johnson, 44, of Brooklyn, CT, passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

Born in Gardner, MA, on March 16, 1981, she was the daughter of Roger Johnson and Doreen Pacsay. She spent her early life in both Lancaster & Phillipston, MA and was a graduate of Nashoba High School, Class of 1999

She moved to Baldwinville, MA where she dedicated her life to raising her children. She was employed as the head of Human Resources for a General Contractor based in Hudson MA for many years. In June of 2017, she opened Darkothica (Darkothica.com), her passion project, an online store dedicated to selling alternative and gothic home décor and gifts. She poured her heart into this business, growing a large, loyal and successful customer base. Many of her product designs were her own and she was very active and engaged on social media sites producing engaging and funny videos showcasing her products. She often remarked how it never felt like she was going to work because she loved what she did so much.

Melinda enjoyed many hobbies. She was an excellent painter using both acrylic and oils, creating natural landscapes and horror themed paintings. She loved rock music and went to as many festivals and concerts as it was the best way to recharge her spirit. She loved traveling the US and the world, going to Texas, Florida, NYC, Mexico, Costa Rica, the Bahamas and one of her favorite places, the UK, to explore old castles and cemeteries. Her happy place was wandering up and down the beautiful beaches of Exuma, where she spent many years vacationing with her family. Melinda loved the New England woods and old cemeteries and used every opportunity possible to hike throughout MA, RI and CT. She was an avid fan of horror movies and was known for her love of Halloween, often sculpting and creating large and elaborate Halloween displays that the neighbors told her that they looked forward to seeing every year.

Melinda was a very down-to-earth soul, happy with the simple things in life; her kids, her dog Gizmo, sunshine, good music and Italian food. She was an excellent dog mom to her beloved Gizmo as well as Zeke, Caleb and Oliver. While living in Woodstock, CT, she spent her free time walking the dogs and laying by the pool, happy and relaxed.

She was many things to many people...Partner, Mom, Daughter, Friend, Niece, Cousin. Her absence leaves a large hole in many hearts, on this earth and in this Universe. She had an amazing and infectious smile that would immediately draw you in to her. Her spirit was and is kind, loving, caring and now free. She will be sorely missed forever. May she rest peacefully and be reunited one day with all those that she left behind.

Melinda is survived by her partner, Sergey Kozyarsky of Washington State, her son, Michael Berlied of Baldwinville, MA; a daughter, Grace Berlied of Baldwinville, MA, parents Roger Johnson and Doreen Pacsay, Grandmother Lorraine Nolan of Ashburnham, MA and brother Kyle Conroy of Grands Pass, OR. She is also survived by multiple other family members throughout MA. She is preceded in death by her aunt Kristen Johnson, uncle Ray Goland, grandfather Ernest Johnson and uncle Scott Johnson.

Following cremation, a Celebration of Life Service will be held for her on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Boucher Funeral Home Inc. 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Immediately following the service, a gathering for family and friends will be held at the American Legion Post 373, 3 Central Street, Templeton, MA.