"My husband was a fellow Air Traffic Controller with Mary's husband (before divorce) and we lived (I still do) in the same Irvington area of Fremont. Our children attended the same schools...my oldest son was in the same class with Anna from elementary through high school. Mary's granddaughter, Heather, is married to David, grandson of my dearest friend. So our lives intersected at and on many occasions. I absolutely agree with everything said about Mary. She was a wonderful model in every area of her life and the family that I know reflect her great love and qualities. Thank you, Heather, for the invitation to this lovely Memorial Service. You are so like your grandma!!"
In loving memory of
Mary Legreid Johnson
May 14, 1929 - January 18, 2023
Mary Mae Legreid Johnson died January 18, 2023, at her residence, Edgewood Senior Living of Blaine, MN. She was surrounded by her family. Mary was born to John and Vera (Owen) Legreid May 14, 1929, in Minneapolis MN. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her ex-husband Richard; sons Paul and David; brothers John, Sander, Clayton; and sister Carolyn. Mary is survived by her daughters Mona (David) Glesne, Anna Johnson (husband Mark McKeen). Also surviving are 4 granddaughters: Kjersti Glesne, Heidi (Darrell) Montague, Heather (David) Hegland, Jenna Corso (husband Hamid (Reza) Djenghe); 4 grandsons Mark (Corissa) Glesne, Jared (Danielle) Glesne, Aaron (Samantha) Johnson, Todd Johnson; one sister Jeanette Plaice. Also 17 great grand-children and many family members survive.
When Mary was 5 years old the family moved to a farm near Sherwood ND. She loved the prairie and farm life but admits to the hard work and difficult times. She graduated from Sherwood High School in 1947 and attended Concordia College in Moorhead MN for one year. In January of 1948 the family moved to Santa Monica, CA. She married Richard Lee Johnson, January 27, 1951, in Los Angeles CA. Four children were born to them: Mona Jean, Paul Richard, David Lee and Anna Jane. Their primary home was in the Irvington District of Fremont CA from 1961-2015. Sadly, Mary and Richard divorced after 25 years of marriage.
Mary was a great mom and teacher. She excelled in gardening, cooking, and sewing. She was active in her churches and as a neighbor. She was dedicated to her children and grandchildren and supported them in education and learning. She loved the outdoors and was a bold water skier in the 50's and 60's. Mary was a lifelong learner herself, especially of the Bible and then completing her bachelor's degree in 1980. She became a teacher of geography, world history, and Bible at Fremont Christian High School and was always an amateur meteorologist.
Mary was a resident of Fremont, CA from 1961-2015. She loved her home in the Irvington District and was deeply saddened to have to leave it and move to Minnesota. She found a new home at Edgewood of Blaine in assisted living. Thanks to the skillful and caring staff at Edgewood, it did become her new home after a couple of years. She was grateful for being able to live out her last days there.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 11, 2023, Redeemer Lutheran Church, 61 Mississippi St. NE, Fridley, MN 55432. Visitation is at 12 noon until the time of the service at 1 pm. The family requests any memorials be sent to Fremont Christian School, 4760 Thornton Ave, Fremont CA 94536. Please specify the Mary Johnson Scholarship Fund in your gift.
Tributes
"Mary ?grandma? Mary was how our whole family knew her as; what a sweetheart she was, with so much wisdom to share. She mentored me not only in the Bible but in being a strong independent women who knew how to make jams, homemade gravy, cookies you name it she could make a meal a feast?her garden was bountiful and she shared the fruits from her trees and any garden crop generously. Raising Heather was extremely challenging at her age but she did it with grace, kindness and patience that reflected in how beautiful a woman Heather turned out to be. Our girls spent as much time at the Johnson?s as our own home and I always trusted completely their care when with Grandma Mary as it was always sprinkled with love and Godly input . The last time we saw Mary was in MN at her new home in Blaine and she seemed very pleased with it and her new arrangement. I look forward to seeing her in heaven some day ? Allison Harmon "
"Mary was such a beautiful person inside and out.... I remember her as sweet and gracious with noble posture and a warm smile and countenance. Her godly character was very visible, I knew her as a co-worker at Fremont Christian Schools and also a friendly church mate. When I became a missionary she supported me. I didn't realize until now that she was born the same year as my mother. I'm surprised because she seemed younger. Grateful to have known her and looking forward to meeting again in Heaven."