Dahlia (Pobie) Johnston passed away on June 4, 2017 surrounded by her daughter, Linda Johnston Benware and friends. Pobie, as she was known to all, possessed an indomitable spirit which guided her through life. She was born in Philadelphia, PA on December 13, 1921 and lived in Oklahoma, Texas, New York and Maine before making Stamford her home.

Pobie personified the behind the scenes worker; she was someone who believed that getting the job done was more important than getting the credit. Pobie served on many local and state boards and commissions and even ran for Mayor. A few examples of her service include: New Neighborhoods, President of The United Way, President of the YMCA, Vice President of Urban Affairs at SACIA, Executive Aide to Mayor Fred Lenz, Stamford’s Urban Redevelopment Commission, the Housing Development Fund and four Stamford Charter Revision Commissions, the Stamford Historical Society, the Truglia Thumbelina Fund, and the CT Attorney/Judicial Conduct Review Panel. She was the 1978 recipient of the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Stamford Citizen of the Year award. Pobie was also famous in her ALC neighborhood for her Philadelphia stickybuns and no one could make a lemon meringue pie like she did.

Pobie’s intelligence and strength of character gained her admittance to those smoke-filled rooms of political activities when women were not always welcomed. Her no-nonsense but approachable style earned the continued admiration and respect of insiders on both sides of the aisle. Pobie’s reputation as a spokesman for the “little guy” is renowned. She always carried a pocket size US Constitution that she could refer to or hand out to anyone she met.

It was a privilege to hear Pobie speak of her years of service to our country, which she proudly did every Veteran’s Day in local schools. As a Sergeant in the WAACs, she was among the first women to actively serve during wartime. The skills she learned were evident and always a source of pride. Her love of country propelled her into a life of public service. Pobie was a shining example of citizenship at its most fundamental level.

At a time when most Americans would retire from active public life, Pobie continued to answer the call. Decades of working on behalf of others did not mute her perception that more needed to be done. Looking back on her many accomplishments, she often said, “ Did I really do that ?”

Pobie was predeceased by her husband, Rodney and her son-in-law, Bennett. She is survived by her loving daughter, Lin and hundreds of friends and admirers.

Funeral Services will be private. The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist the Johnston Family with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Truglia Thumbelina Fund through the Fairfield County Foundation.

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