Margaret M. Johnson

Margaret (Marge) Johnson, fondly known by her family as "Nana," daughter of Leroy John Lombard and

Gertrude Steele Lombard, was born with her twin sister, Mildred (Millie) in their family home on

Edgecomb Avenue in Harlem, New York on July 18th, 1932. During her early childhood, her family moved to

Sugar Hill in Harlem and subsequently, to The Bronx. Given the musical legacy in their family, Marge and

Millie were introduced to the piano with lessons at a young age. About the age of 12, they moved to

Jamaica, Queens, where Marge and her sister attended Richmond Hill High School.

After graduating high school, Marge accepted a clerical position at the New York City Department of

Welfare, where she worked for several years. Before her marriage to Stanley Uric Johnson, Marge

converted to Catholicism and she remained a devoted member of the church throughout her life. On June

20th, 1953, she and Stanley had a beautiful wedding at St. Bonaventure's Catholic Church, across the street

from Marge's home, surrounded by family and friends.

In the early years of their marriage, Stanley was a Chief Steward in the Merchant Marines and given his

constant international travels for work, Marge made the decision to become a stay-at-home Mom. She

gave birth to her first daughter, Mary Margaret in the Bronx Hospital in March 1954. Three years later,

Marge moved to Springfield Gardens, Queens and had her second beloved daugher, Deborah Ann. In 1960,

Marge was blessed with the birth of her third child, Patricia Ruth. Her love and care for her daughters was

nothing short of amazing - she was so devoted to their daily needs and always encouraged them to reach

their highest potential. Marge frequently instilled in her daughters the critical need to attend college -

she would be heard saying, "because they can never take a college education away from you."

In the mid-late 1960's, Marge began working part-time as a school crossing guard at Christ the King

Elementary School in Springfield Gardens, Queens. Her commitment to and engagement with her

daughters' schooling continued unabated over the years. She was very involved with their elementary

education at St. Catherine of Siena in St. Albans, Queens and became a member of the Parish Council for

that church. While her eldest daughter was a junior girl scout, Marge became an Assistant Leader of their

troup. Her daughters remember the countless cartons of Girl Scout cookies lining the hallway of their

home for weeks.

When her eldest daughter began college, Marge transitioned from a part-time to a full-time position in the

New York City Board of Education in District 27. She worked as a bookkeeper for their Title I Programs,

which supported low-income families in under-resourced school districts. Title 1 federal programs aimed

to equalize the playing field by providing high-quality education for all children. After 20 years of devoted

service, Marge retired from her position in District 27.

During her retirement, Marge became very involved with activities at the Robert Couche Senior Citizen

Center in Springfield Gardens. She was a frequent participant in their dinner dances, games and domestic

and international travels. Along with members of this Center, she enjoyed decades of travel to many parts

of the world including the Caribbean, Western Europe, Greece, Russia and Turkey. Marge especially loved

her trips to gambling casinos with her many senior friends from the Center. They established a smaller

group of women friends, known as the "Lucky 13," who celebrated life with travel and monthly meetings

filled with pokeno games and delicious food for all.

In September 2017, Marge and her twin sister relocated to Montgomery County, PA, where they lived with

her eldest daughter Mary and her husband Sam. These past seven years have been filled with lots of

activities - from gatherings with family and friends, jazz concerts, music, cinema, the theater and travel.

Marge especially enjoyed her trips to the Jersey Shore!

Marge's life was so inspirational! She was a phenomenal cook and she demonstrated her incredible talent

and love for family and friends with her cuisine, especially her signature beans and rice. In the early 1980's,

she moved to Westbury, NY. Her strength in the face of adversity, particularly the early passings of her

youngest daughter, her husband, and her grandson, as well as her exceptional love and care for so many,

will always be remembered. Her devotion to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her

most recent great, great-grandchildren was beyond compare. She also had several "surrogate" children

that benefitted from her care. Her generosity and love knew no bounds!!

Marge was a gem, a bright light, and a blessing to everyone she knew! Recently, many of us had the

opportunity to experience her feisty spirit! Her personality continued to blossom amidst many health challenges.

challenges. She had a great sense of humor and enjoyed life to the fullest!