"I didn't get the opportunity to know Penny, but know her Grand-daughter Robin. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Dee and Chris F"
In loving memory of
Priscilla "Penny" J. Johnsen (McGuire)
February 26, 1935 - February 22, 2020
Priscilla "Penny" Jane Johnsen, formerly known as Penny McGuire, age 84 years, was born on February 26, 1935. She passed away on February 22, 2020 in Omaha, Nebraska. Penny is preceded in death by her husbands, Gene Johnsen and Raymond McGuire; brother, Wayne Wheat; sister, Marian Bouchard; daughter, Mary Diegel; sons, Steve and Mark Johnsen. She is survived and will be missed by her sister, Patricia (David) Gregory; daughters: Lori (Dave) McClintock, Susan (Dave) Vanlandingham, Janet Gonzales, Leslie (Gregg) Loubier; sons: Robert McGuire, Neil (Bobbi) Johnsen; grandchildren: Melissa, Sarah, Gabrielle (Gabby), Adam, Matt, Robin, John, Danielle, Callie, Marilyn, and Joe; great grandchildren: Hallie Gene, Samantha, Alden, and Audrey; nieces and nephews: David (Linda) Bouchard, Stephen Bouchard, Thomas Bouchard, Clifford Bouchard, Donna Bouchard, Bethany Bouchard Hill, Karen (David) O'Maley, Kristen (Craig) Berry, Lee Ann (Stephen) Cotta, Erin (Chris) Murray, Elizabeth, Jennifer, Melanie; and many great nieces and nephews.
Priscilla Jane Wheat was born February 26th 1935, with her twin sister, Patricia, to Raymond and Ruth Goodnow Wheat in Providence, Rhode Island. They grew up in the Greenwood neighborhood and graduated from Lockwood High School.
Pris, as she was known to her family, attended nursing school at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. As a student, she assisted in the care of several famous Yankees players: Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris. But Mr. DiMaggio, he had private nurses!! She graduated June 6, 1956 in the afternoon, and married Raymond McGuire in the evening!
Ray left the Army and joined the Army Corps of Engineers, and the family transferred to the Omaha area in 1964. While working at Methodist Hospital, friends gave her the nickname "Penny", which would stay with her the rest of her life.
In 1979, Penny married Gene Johnsen at Augustana Lutheran Church. And so, all their children, Lori, Bob and Susan McGuire, Mary, Steve, Neil, Mark, Janet and Leslie Johnsen who grew up next door to each other, became brothers and sisters. Christmas Eve parties were a large affair, with grandparents and other relatives joining in. Many happy memories were made yearly at the Johnsen's.
Penny was a girl's scout co Leader for Lori's junior troop at Hillside School. Those brave ladies took our 4th to 6th grade girls on adventures at Camp Maha, which were a blast! Once they convinced us that Davy Jones from the Monkees might stop by, so we better listen for the door. Oh! We were beside ourselves! They would sneak out on the porch and knock on the door and all the girls would run, screaming, to the back room. It was really quite hilarious!
Penny enjoyed tole painting, crocheting and making crafts, selling them under the name "Cardinal Crafts".
Penny had a long nursing career in the Omaha area, working at Methodist Hospital, VA Hospital and back to Methodist in several departments. There are hundreds of people Penny took care of as babies, worked with patients in urology, neurology and Eye, Ear, Nose and throat floor, reassured dying loved ones and their families on the oncology unit, and allayed fears in the outpatient surgery department as she prepared people for surgery. She had a real heart for people!
When she retired from nursing, she worked the main lobby information desk, directing volunteers and sending patients and their families to their loved ones in the hospital.
Penny had a great love for animals as well, having cats most of her adult life. Lori and Bob had Tomasina and Smokey. When Tomasina died, we kept one of Smokey's kittens, Tom. Later, there was Boo Boo kitty, Missy and Patches, and Sam and Shady. All good cats and lucky to be in her care! Even the other creatures of the earth benefited from Penny's gentle and kind spirit. Dried corn, carrots and peanuts were left out near numerous bird feeders around the yard. Some lucky squirrels got peanut butter sandwiches!
Music also played a large part in Penny's life. She loved listening to records and the radio. Some favorites included; Simon and Garfunkel, Bette Midler, The Eagles, Mercy Me, Michael W Smith, Neil Diamond, Andy Williams.
Penny and Gene loved spending time with their grandchildren Melissa and Sarah, Gabrielle (Gabby), Adam, Matt, Robin, John, Danielle, Callie, Marilyn and Joe. Their great grandchildren are Hallie Gene, Samantha, Alden and Audrey.
She will be remembered always for her extreme kindness and as a wise friend.
SERVICES 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home. VISITATION 5:00-7:00P.M., Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at Forest Lawn. Burial at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard Ceremony will be held at 6:00 P.M., Tuesday, February 25, 2020.
Memorials in honor of Penny are suggested to VNA Hospice and Nebraska Humane Society.
Tributes
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you Lori and your family at this time of loss. Keep hold of all the fun memories. ?????? Scott and Marvella McClintock"
"May God provide you with peace and strength during this difficult time. Psalm 29:11"
"I never knew Mrs. Penny, but do know her daughters Lori and Susan. Since they are wonderful people, Mrs. Penny must have been beautiful also. My love and prayers go out to Lori, Susan and their families. Colleen Ulfers "
"I will never forget how Penny took care of Mom and I when we flew back to Omaha from Oshkosh Nebraska after our car accident. That was 1969. We developed a very close relationship at that time that grew from that point on and never ended. She was such a caring person. Deb Huggins"