A driving force at the Bermuda Zoological Society was a creative fundraiser for conservation who got an early start in philanthropy by following the example of her parents in assisting with their charitable work.

Lynda Johnson, who had a passion for painting, honed her artistry as a window dresser for many years at the HA&E Smith Ltd department store in Hamilton.

Ms Johnson went on to become a capable fundraiser for the BZS, where she spent 26 years as the development officer. She got her start as a secretary for Friends of the Bermuda Aquarium, which became the Atlantic Conservation Partnership.

The BZS said Ms Johnson had a flair for creating “some of the most unforgettable events and fundraising campaigns” that raised thousands for the education and conservation programmes of the charity.

Her work included helping the BZS to acquire Trunk Island in Harrington Sound as its “living classroom“ in 2015. She was also involved in the renovation of the Trunk Island cottage in 2023.

Ms Johnson was instrumental in fundraising for the 2008 Aquarium campaign, and guided the 2007 construction of the Natural History Museum with updated exhibits.

Ian Walker, the principal curator for the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, said she “quietly powered BZS’s mission” across her tenure.

Dr Walker added: “Behind the scenes, she was an unstoppable grant writer and worked closely on several capital campaigns to fund classes, develop classrooms, build vessels and create exhibit habitats, to name just some of her projects.

“In addition, her brilliantly organised and themed fundraising parties mixed joy with purpose, garnering wide acclaim.

“We’ll miss her steady kindness, creativity and unwavering devotion to her colleagues, her friends, the BZS and BAMZ, and our combined mission of conservation education.”

Ms Johnson’s resourcefulness when it came to fundraising shone in events such as the Zoobilee and Flamingo Flocking, as well as the Give One Get One Seedling event for the charity’s microforest projects.

Her family told The Royal Gazette: “BZS was her life and passion — there was not a day when BZS did not fill her thoughts.”

Australia was said to be Ms Johnson’s “favourite place”, but philanthropy endured as “a lifestyle and calling”.

A graduate of Bermuda High School, Ms Johnson took a one-year diploma course in ecology at Franklin Pierce College in New Hampshire.

Her family added: “Lynda made an amazing connection with donors, bringing them into the BZS family and fostering their sense of giving.

“She could put on a great party, starting at a young age at home. This talent was shared with her work at BZS, dreaming up themes each exhibit opening and celebration parties, such as Roar and Pour, Zoofari the Hungry Games and Feast in the Wild. What great parties they were.

“Lynda had a unique way of rounding up staff and her husband, Howard, to build and bring to life her ideas.”

Ms Johnson was also an avid cricket fan, and loved following Formula One — where her favourite driver was Sir Lewis Hamilton.

Lynda Ann Johnson, the longstanding development officer for the Bermuda Zoological Society, was born on May 22, 1959. She died on May 2, 2025, aged 66