Marie C. Johnson, 89, passed away peacefully on February 7, after complications from a long, difficult battle with Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s stole her mind, but her inner soul remained pure and strong until the end. Her passing is a blessing, but the vital, intelligent, and loving woman she was before this horrible disease interfered is what we remember and miss.
Marie was born October 2, 1929, in the small town of Olivia, Minnesota. She was the 3rdof five children born to Albert (Rusty) and Cecelia Jansen. Upon graduating from high school she worked and attended college before becoming a flight attendant for Northwest Airlines. It was at this time, that she met the love of her life, Merlyn (Doc) Johnson. They were happily married 60 years before his death in 2014. Marie welcomed 2 children into the world, Kimberly and Bryce, and because Merlyn’s job required frequent military transfers, it was Marie who made sure each move was a smooth, positive transition and a new adventure for her family. The final move was to Billings, MT, where she lived for the last 50 years. Marie was a master homemaker and ran a “tight ship”. Merlyn’s job required frequent entertaining and Marie was famous for the food, drink and festivities at each party! Many years were spent with the family camping, hunting, golfing and skiing. Marie volunteered for years as a Pink Lady at St. Vincent’s Hospital in addition to all the organizations her children were involved in. Marie’s greatest joy was being a grandma of 4, and she cherished spending time with and supporting them in all their activities and events.
When Merlyn died, Marie moved into the memory care unit at Morning Star. Words cannot express the entire family’s appreciation and gratitude for the compassionate and competent care she received. The staff came to love her as much as we did!
Marie is survived by her children, Kim (Vic) Halverson of Billings and Bryce (Laura) Johnson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; her 4 grandchildren, Quinn and Cole Halverson and Alyx and Evin Johnson; her younger brother, James (Kathy) Jansen of Cary, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews around the country.
Cremation has taken place and Marie’s ashes have joined Merlyn’s at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Laurel, MT. A memorial service celebrating Marie’s life will take place at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church on April 22, at 11:00 a.m.
