Sarah Lee Johnson

Sarah Lee (“Sally”) Johnson, 89
Sarah Lee (“Sally”) Johnson, 89, of Rockford, passed away October 26, 2014, at Wesley Willows. Born June 19, 1925, in Salina, Kansas, the daughter of Marion C. and Grace Z. Hougland. Sarah Lee graduated from El Dorado High School, El Dorado, Kansas, in 1943. She attended El Dorado Junior College, El Dorado, Kansas, and Colorado University, Boulder Colorado. In 1944 Sarah Lee married Ed Cole, who perished during World War II later that same year. Married Earl M. (“Swede”) Olson in 1947, in Beloit, Kansas. To this union two children were born --- Greggory George and Lynn Ann. Earl died in 1973. Sarah Lee married Dr. Pieratt Johnson, a childhood friend, in 1978, in Wichita, Kansas. They returned to Rockford, Illinois, to enjoy their life together until 2012 when Pieratt passed away. Sarah Lee spent many years in the banking industry. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, crafts, and volunteering at Willows on Main and Wesley Willows. Sarah Lee loved to attend school activities and sporting events in which her grandchildren participated. Member of Third Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include: son, Greggory (Jo) Olson, Beloit, Kansas; daughter, Lynn Ann (Kevin) McWhirter, Rockford, IL; grandchildren: Matthew (Baylie) McWhirter, Cudahy, WI; Sarah McWhirter, Elizabethton, TN; Olivia (Trevor) Olson-Gruber, Tomball, TX; great-grandchild, Emery Grace Bredemeier, Tomball, TX; brother, Bill (Carolie) Hougland, Lawrence, KS; sister-in-law, Jo Pat (David) Dolsen, Winfield, KS. stepchildren: stepdaughter, Deborah (Steve) Viktora, Wilmette, IL; stepsons, David (Shelly) Johnson, Rockford, IL; Dr. Philip (Molly) Johnson, Winneconne, WI; step grandchildren: Stephanie (Matthew) Sebor, Chicago, IL; Philip Johnson, Libby, MT; Emily (Josiah) Hill, St. Paul, MN; Paul (Libby Ann) Johnson, Minnetonka, WI; Mark Johnson, Milwaukee, WI; Beth Johnson, Chicago, IL; step great-grandchildren: Grace Hill, Lucinda Johnson, Paige Johnson. In addition to her three husbands, Sarah Lee was predeceased by her parents and sister-in-law Peggy Conley. The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the staff at Wesley Willows for the wonderful compassionate care given to Sarah Lee. Our sincere thanks also to the staff on E-4 at Rockford Memorial Hospital and the staff of Northern Illinois Hospice and Grief Center. Cremation rites have been accorded. At Sarah Lee’s request there will be no service. Memorials to Wesley Willows Good Samaritan Fund, 4141 North Rockton Avenue, Rockford, Illinois 61103 and Northern Illinois Hospice and Grief Center, 4215 Newburg Road, Rockford, Illinois 61108. Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory has assisted the family. Visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com to express online condolences.