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March 8, 1925 – April 22, 2020
Mary L. Johnson, 95 year old beloved mother and grandmother, died peacefully with family by her side at Mat-Su Regional on April 22, 2020.
A pioneer and adventurer, she moved to Alaska from Salt Lake City in 1949 and met the love of her life Dewaine “Bud” Johnson. They were married for more than 53 years, until his death in 2004. Mary worked as a payroll administrator for the Alaska Railroad during the 1950’s, and then for the Alaska Air National Guard at Kulis Air Base until her retirement in 1992. She was an active member of the Ladies Oriental Shrine and the Order of the Amaranth for many years, and was a member of The Church of Christ of Latter-Day Saints. An avid downhill skier, Mary also loved their cabin on Big Lake, Hawaiian beaches, motor home trips, and doting on her grandchildren. Mary lived in Anchorage until 2017 when she moved to Wasilla to be closer to her son and daughter-in-law.
Her memory will forever be cherished by her son Eric “Rick” Johnson, daughter-in-law Cathy Baldwin-Johnson, grandson Travis Johnson and his girlfriend Lindsey Dailey, granddaughter Kristin Johnson and her husband Mike McLaren, and Mary’s loving companion dog of 14 years, Bo. Everyone knew Mary for her sweet nature, optimism, independent spirit, and resilience. Although we miss her greatly, we know she is dancing the jitterbug in heaven with Bud.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date due to COVID19. Memorial donations in her memory may be made to The Children’s Place Child Advocacy Center, PO Box 871788, Wasilla Alaska 99687 or to Shriners Hospitals for Children.