Mary Johnson

Mary Grace Johnson went to her heavenly reward on May 6, 2019.  She was born in Denver, CO to Ralph J. Moore and Elizabeth Dressel Moore.  She graduated from Arvada High School and worked at Camp Carson Medical Center in Colorado Springs during WWII.  Mary received a scholarship to NM Highlands University, and was a student until her father died unexpectedly in 1947, which required her to leave school. She went to work for Blueher Lumber in Albuquerque and worked there until 1957.  She met Robert Johnson at the USO Club in Albuquerque in 1951, and they were married on May 9, 1955.  When Mary died on May 6th, they were just three days shy of their 64th anniversary.  

A strong and dedicated servant of God, Mary joined Queen of Heaven Parish in 1960.  Throughout her life she was a very active volunteer, including Altar & Rosary Society, Catholic Daughters, and the Parish Council.  For many years she facilitated the Good Shepherd Casserole Program to feed the hungry, and organized the annual Mother’s Day Carnation Sale to support Birthright, and was a transportation driver for Catholic Charities.  She helped establish the Queen of Heaven Senior Group in 1983, and continued to work with that group until shortly before her death.  Seeking to serve others and the greater good, even in death, Mary donated her body to the UNM School of Medicine, where it will be used to help train the next generation of physicians. 

Mary loved to read, watch Jeopardy and sports, and was a long-time San Francisco Giants fan.  Since she rarely encountered an issue that she didn’t have an opinion on, she also loved to argue the disadvantages of the 3-point shot!

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her brother and sister-in-law Gerald F. and Mary Moore, and her son-in-law Robert Chaison.  She is survived by her husband Robert H. Johnson, and their children and families: Mignonne Chaison; Ann Johnson and her son Robert Nelson; Roberta (Robin) Jaramillo; Steven and Naomi Johnson and their children Victoria and Antonio; Gale Johnson and his son Mark; Mary Adele (Della) Kunkle, her husband Richard Kimmins and her daughter Billie Nicole; and great-grandchildren Zayl and Drew.  She is also survived by extended family in Oregon and Colorado, and by many friends.

Services will be held on Monday, May 20th at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church (5311 Phoenix Avenue NE, 87110) starting with a rosary at 9:30 and Memorial Mass at 10:00 a.m.  A luncheon with remembrances will be held in the parish hall immediately following the Mass.  Please join us to celebrate Mary’s long and purposeful life!

In lieu of flowers, Mary and her family would very much appreciate donations to any of the organizations listed above, or to the charity of your choice.