Mary Elizabeth Johnson

Mary Elizabeth "Betsy" Johnson, 86, of Harbor Springs, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on June 26, 2025.

Betsy was born on Feb. 4, 1939, in La Porte, Indiana, the eldest daughter of Charles and Nadine (Haman) Doeppers. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John H. "Johnny" Johnson; her parents; her brother-in-law, James Bushnell; and her nephew, Edward Bushnell.

A devoted caregiver by nature and by profession, Betsy earned her degree in nursing from Presbyterian St. Luke's Hospital in Chicago. Following her graduation, she made Northern Michigan her home and began her nursing career at Lockwood Hospital in Petoskey. Her compassionate spirit and tireless dedication led her to serve at several institutions, including the American Red Cross, Burns Clinic, McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital and the Karmanos Cancer Institute, where she worked as a NISUS clinical research associate.

Betsy approached her work with unwavering passion and grace, forming deep bonds with colleagues and patients alike. Her empathy, gentle humor and steadfast kindness left a lasting imprint on all who knew her. Many patients and coworkers recalled how she made difficult moments bearable through small acts of love and generosity – stories that still resonate today. She was a true caregiver in every sense of the word.

Throughout her life, Betsy formed lifelong friendships, many of which carried her through both joyous and challenging times. Her closest companions in recent years – Sally, Barb, Margo and Sandy – were more than friends; they were chosen family. Together with her dear friend Margo, Betsy co-founded "Just for Us," a breast cancer support group that became a lifeline for many women navigating their own diagnoses. The group was started in 1990 and was active for 30 years. Helping others was her passion, and she did it quietly, without fanfare, always with a heart full of compassion.

Shortly after moving to northern Michigan, Betsy met the love of her life, John. They married on March 25, 1962, and together created a life rich in love, laughter and community. They owned and operated This Ole' House, a beloved motor lodge on Crooked Lake in Conway, where locals and travelers gathered for good food and live music by the Epsilon Jazz Band.

In 1976, the couple moved with their growing family to an 80-acre property in the countryside, where they built a home surrounded by nature. There, Betsy found joy in the simple pleasures of life – watching the birds, the changing seasons and the companionship of her many beloved pets.

Betsy was a woman of many talents and interests. A gifted cook and music lover, she also loved birdwatching, reading, cross-country skiing, and listening to music and playing the piano. Her sense of humor was sharp and playful, and her warmth made everyone feel welcome and cared for. She loved fiercely and without condition.

To her children and grandchildren, Betsy was a guiding light. She was a fun, imaginative, and deeply present mother and "Nana" – one who delighted in attending band concerts and sporting events, baking cookies, playing cards or simply sharing a movie night on the couch. She created cherished traditions like "teenie tiny night" with her grandson Mitchell, spent hours building Lego towers with Finn, and shared the joy of baking with Ella. Her legacy of love, kindness and laughter lives on in every one of them.

She is survived by her children, John D. Johnson and his son Jarrett (Annaliese) Holloway, and great-grandchildren Ezra, Iris, Taylor and Axel; Jennifer E. Johnson and daughter Ella Johnson; and Katharine (Scott) P. Hawes and sons Mitchell Corey and Finn Hawes. She is also survived by her sister, Susan (David) Ratajik; nephew, Gregory (Arika) Ratajik; niece, Jennifer (Jim) Lawson and their children Jake, Sara and Nick Lawson; sister-in-law, Anne Bushnell; nephew, Thomas Bushnell; niece, Marian Williams; and grandnephews, Charlie and Jack Williams.

Betsy's life was one of deep purpose, heartfelt connection and immeasurable love. Her kindness, strength and gentle spirit will be missed more than words can express and remembered with boundless gratitude by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A small private memorial was held with immediate family. Memorial gifts can be sent in Betsy's name for any type of cancer research or to Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes (www.kzoolf.org).