Mariam M. (Johnson/Zahradnik) Dayton

                  5/30/1925 – 10/21/2023

A beautiful soul has departed us. Miriam Dayton, affectionately known as Mimi to many, passed away at home on the morning of October 21, 2023. Born on May 30, 1925, in Fitchburg, MA to Olive and C. Phillip Johnson. Miriam was later joined by one younger sister, Nancy. Miriam grew up in Fitchburg and graduated from Fitchburg High School in 1943.

Miriam attended North Park College, UCLA, University of Zurich, and David Lipscomb where she obtained her bachelor’s degree. Miriam was well traveled, having spent time in Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, France, Iran, Czechoslovakia, England, Mexico, and Hong Kong.

Miriam and her first husband John (Zahradnik) moved to Amherst in 1954 and later to Harkness Road in Pelham. Miriam raised steers, chickens, horses and her 6 “perfect” children on her beloved farm in Pelham. Miriam and John were married from 1950-1973. 

Miriam married James Dayton in 1978. She and James shared their home on the other end of Harkness Road, in the historic “Lodestone” house. Miriam remained in this home after James passing. In 2013 Miriam moved in with her oldest son and his family, also on Harkness Road.

Miriam was best known for her graciousness, generosity, gregarious conversation, and hospitality. Miriam had a deep faith and lived it out faithfully. Miriam was gifted in so many ways, whether it was cooking, sewing, gardening, art. Miriam embraced each new day. Miriam was always active in the community, serving the Pelham PTA for 12 years, Mt.Toby Friends Meeting, Amherst Women’s Club, Beacon Hill Friends’ House and later with the Amherst Town Meeting. Miriam helped immigrant families settling in the Valley and worked on various church functions. Miriam had groups of people for dinner parties on a regular basis, Miriam had a way of making people feel very welcomed and uniquely appreciated.

Miriam is preceded in death by her husband(s) John Zahradnik and James Dayton, her parents, Olive and Phil Johnson, her sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Bill Maravell, son, Eric Zahradnik, and daughter, Emily Cates.

Miriam is survived by her son and their spouses, Phillip (Lorena) Zahradnik, Joseph (Nancy) Zahradnik, Paul Zahradnik, Benjamin Zahradnik, her grandchildren, Charlotte Haynes, Abraham Cates, Michael Zahradnik, Sarah Evans, Jeffrey Zahradnik, Amelia Zahradnik, Cody Zahradnik, Elizabeth Zahradnik, James Zahradnik and Zachary Zahradnik. Miriam is survived by 11 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

There will be a Memorial Service for Miriam at First Baptist Church, 434 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at 2:00pm. The family invites you to come and celebrate Miriam’s life.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com