ORONO – Helen M. “Mitch” Johnson, 89, formerly of 325 Lost Creek Drive, Marquette, Mich., passed away Jan. 2, 2008, at Dirigo Pines Retirement Community, Orono, where she had been residing since Nov. 30, 2007. Helen was born Sept. 28, 1918, in Ishpeming, Mich., to the late Richard W. and Anna (Hollum) Mitchell. She graduated from Ishpeming High School in 1936 and attended Northern Michigan University for two years. Helen married Glenn W. Johnson, June 17, 1939. In 1957, Helen and Glenn moved from the Upper Peninsula to the Lower Peninsula. Helen worked for the State of Michigan for 18 years at the Office of Secretary of State, retiring in 1983. After retirement, Helen resided in Lake Ann, Mich., near Traverse City, Mich. She moved back to Marquette, Mich., in 2002. Helen was a member of United Evangelical Covenant Church. Family includes three children, Elizabeth Brotherton and her husband, Ray, of Champion, Douglas Johnson and his partner, Stephanie Poplock, of Orono, and Bruce Johnson and his wife, Leslie, of Lansing, Mich.; a daughter-in-law, Adelaide Marceau of Marquette, Mich., wife of Glenn E. Johnson; a sister, Jeannette Ackley of River Forest, Ill.; 10 grandchildren, Helen (Paul) Groleau, Elizabeth (Fred) Benzie, Jeanne (Dan) Martfeld, Glenn (Vickie) Johnson, Barbara (Brian) Swenor, Joel Johnson, Jennifer Johnson, Kelsey Johnson, Kimberly (Brian) Howe, and Christopher Johnson; eight great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Helen was predeceased by her husband, Glenn W. Johnson; sons, Glenn E. Johnson and Paul W. Johnson; a brother, Ellsworth “Pinky” Mitchell; and a sister, Dorothy Bush. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. May 24 at United Evangelical Covenant Church with the Rev. Terry Cathcart officiating. Interment will take place at Ishpeming Cemetery in Michigan. Friends and relatives may leave a note of remembrance and may also view Helen’s obituary at www.bjorkandzhulkie.com.
HELEN JOHNSON
