Mary Jane (George) Johnson, 89, died peacefully on Nov. 7. Mary Jane was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and wife. She was married to Richard W. Johnson for 68 years.
Born in Grinnell, Iowa, to Russell and Helen (Coutts) George, she attended Grinnell College and, after raising five children, started a career in real estate at age 46. She enjoyed her career and spent 27 years as a successful saleswoman who earned sales awards and helped start Real Estate Masters.
Mary Jane led a very active social life. She enjoyed spending time with her wide circle of friends at Children’s Hospital Guild, golfing and more. She and Dick played bridge together and had many travel adventures to Hawaii, Belgium, Germany, Tokyo and Australia. She enjoyed time at their cabin in Aitkin and the winter in Tucson.
Mary Jane was preceded in death by her husband and eldest daughter, Linda. She is survived by her son, Kirk (Marilyn Knudsen); three daughters, Beth Johnson, Gail Rudberg (Tom) and Alicia Andre (Roger); eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and her sisters, Winifred (George) Oetjen and Dorothy Westphal.
A memorial service will be held honoring Mary Jane’s life at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at Falcon Heights United Church of Christ. A reception will be held in the gathering room following the ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to the Children’s Hospital Guild and Planned Parenthood.
