Marjorie M. Johnson

On the morning of January 13, 2024, Marge M. Johnson passed away peacefully with her family by her side. She was 98 years old. Marge was preceded in death by her husband Paul A. Johnson whom she married in 1952. Marge dealt with dementia for the last ten years of her life, persevering with dignity and grace. She was a 68-year resident of Prospect Heights, Illinois and a long-standing member of the Prospect Heights Community Church. In her later years, she attended the Faith for Life group at The Orchard Church in Arlington Heights. Marge was raised as a Mennonite and remained true as one throughout her life.
Marge and Paul had four children, Michael, Paula, Mark, and Steven plus 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Her family was the most important thing in her life and she cherished all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren – always greeting them with a big smile, clapping her hands, and throwing her arms open wide for a warm hug. Marge worked for 23 years as the librarian for MacArthur Junior High. She loved books, reading and, most of all, loved helping the students. She set an example of love, kindness, and hard work for all that knew her.
Marge was the youngest child born to Henry and Anna Wiebe and spent most of her childhood in Aberdeen, Idaho, a small farming community. She was valedictorian in her Senior High School Class and then attended Bethel College in Kansas where she graduated with a degree in sociology. She was even accepted to the University of Chicago and took classes there in the summer.
Starting in 1938, Marge began a remarkable pen pal relationship with a teenage girl, named Bep, in the Netherlands. They kept up the correspondence for over 80 years including visits from both sides. She was always glad to get a new letter from her "pal" Bep.
Marge had a love for travel, near and far. She and Paul made many trips back to Aberdeen during the summer with their children to visit her family. They also traveled abroad to Greece and Hong Kong, as well as Hawaii. After college, Marge worked in Europe for two years after WWII assisting the Mennonite Central Committee with food distribution to needy families. She was able to meet Bep face-to-face for the first time then, also.
A memorial service is being planned for the late Spring or early Summer in 2024. Please check this webpage periodically for updates for more details.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Mennonite Central Committee at Donate page | Mennonite Central Committee (mcc.org)