Mary Ann Johnson, a woman of remarkable strength and vibrant spirit, passed away on May 5, 2026, after a long and courageous illness. Born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on November 5, 1940, Mary Ann was known for her fierce determination and a "will of iron" that saw her through many of life’s challenges. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Darwin Johnson; her parents, Alvin Nelson and Bernice Ladwig; her step-father, Virgil Ladwig; her brother, Bruce Nelson; and her sister, Kathleen Chosa.

A devout Catholic, Mary Ann raised her four children with an independent spirit and tireless devotion. Her love for her faith was often expressed through music; for many years, she found great fulfillment in singing in The Messiah annually. Following her retirement, she and Darwin embraced a period of adventure, exploring new horizons together. These travels were a source of great happiness, including three special trips with her adult children.

A Master Gardener, Mary Ann spent countless hours each summer tending to her yard. Her dedication to the soil extended beyond her own home, as she often volunteered her time to maintain her church’s gardens and collected fresh produce from local gardens to deliver to the food pantry. She was also a familiar face in the community, volunteering as a Salvation Army bell ringer at Christmas. When she was not outdoors, she was often found with her knitting needles in hand. She was a dedicated knitter who crafted many beautiful blankets for her family and devoted much of her time to knitting hats for babies in the NICU.

Even as she faced health challenges, her feisty nature and resilience remained steadfast. When she wasn’t gardening, knitting, or volunteering, she was an avid Green Bay Packer fan, cheering for her hometown team with the heart of a true Wisconsinite.

Those left to cherish her memory include her brother, Larry Nelson and his wife Judy; her children, Robert Blahnik and his fiancée Shelley Sturdevant, Lynn Crosby, Julie Blahnik, Russ Blahnik; and step-sons, Michael Johnson and his wife Kelly, and Gordon Johnson and his wife Katie. She is further survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and several dear friends who were a consistent source of support and companionship throughout her life.

Memorial Mass will be Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Ave, Loves Park, IL 61111. Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the church prior to Mass. Inurnment at Scandinavian Cemetery. In honor of Mary Ann’s life and in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at https://www.parkinson.org. These contributions will help continue the research and support for a disease she faced with dignity.