Leona B. Johnson

Leona Barbara Johnson, age 95, died peacefully at her home, surrounded by her children and her priest, on Friday January 3, 2025. She leaves behind her seven children: Mark Johnson, Christine (Greg) Martha, Stephen Johnson, Suzanne Klimacek, Richard Johnson, Mary (Reggie) Dumas, and Karen (Brent) Waltz; 17 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren. Leona was preceded in death by her loving husband of 31 years, Christian "Chris" Johnson, her parents Augustine and Josephine (Huber) Alblinger of Ivesdale, IL, and her four brothers, Bernard, John (Fr. Alban), Patrick and Carroll.
Born in 1929, the only girl in her family, Leona was the apple of her father's eye. He was particularly proud when she earned a scholarship to attend St. Mary's Academy High School in Nauvoo, IL. She was an excellent student. Leona later attended Illinois State Normal University where she received her degree in elementary education. She taught school in Gibson City, St. Charles, IL and Aurora, CO. She often told us how much she loved teaching and frequently shared stories about her former students.
In St. Charles she met Chris Johnson, another teacher. The two fell in love and were married in 1953. They raised seven children in Aurora, IL. Leona's enduring legacy was as a loving wife, homemaker and mother to her children and to many of the neighborhood children, who saw Leona as a caring, second mom, who always had a kind word, a band aid or a homemade chocolate chip cookie. For many years Leona volunteered as a playground monitor at Holy Angels Catholic School, which her children attended. She was well regarded and appreciated there by students and teachers alike. Leona never regretted giving up her teaching career for her family, but she really enjoyed her time at Holy Angels.
Leona was a lifelong Catholic and daily mass attendee at Holy angels and a true spiritual guide for her family. She always told us, "Prayer is your lifeline to God," and she lived her life that way. She enjoyed walking or riding her bike to Mass. She served on the Holy Angels Welcoming Committee, was a member of the Peace Group, and gladly babysat the children of other parishioners as needed. One of Leona's favorite sayings was, "The Lord loves a cheerful giver!" and she cheerfully gave her time to help others throughout her life.
When her husband died suddenly, Leona carried on as the head of the family for almost 41 years. When there were disputes among relatives, Leona, was the glue that held them together. She remained interested in the lives of her nieces and nephews, asking about them all, even after they moved away. Leona will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her. We, her children, are eternally grateful for the tough love she gave us, and the beautiful legacy of faith and prayers she leaves behind. As Leona used to tell us every night before bed, "Come Holy Spirit!"
In Lieu of flowers, please send donations to:
Waterleaf Women's Center
3055 E. New York Street
Aurora, IL 60505
c/o Megan
Or:
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Chapel
205 Fulton Street
Elgin, IL
c/o Fr. Ronald Brown, 847-508-9513 holyrosarychapel@ATT.net