"My love and prayers are with you at this time of great loss. Sheila's majestic spirit will forever be remembered by those who were blessed to know her."
In loving memory of
Sheila Marie Johnson
January 29, 1945 - February 7, 2004
Obituary for Sheila Marie Johnson
After years of enduring illness and still finding daily joy, Sheila Marie Johnson died Saturday at her home in the company of her family. Sheila was born on January 29, 1945 in the San Bernadino/Riverside area of California, the daughter of Florence Jane (Davis) and Ian Campbell Mac Lure. She grew up with her grandmother Nana, Florence Ann (Mac Donnell) Davis, in the house, along with her parents, older brother Ronald C. Mac Lure and younger sister Charleen Mac Lure. Her father worked at motion picture studios, including Warner Brothers and Twentieth Century Fox, as a set carpenter and glass crafter. Her mother was employed by Los Angeles department stores, including Bullocks, Desmonds, and Mullen and Bluetts. Sheilas deep love of the beach and sun began in childhood, and all her life she spoke of the pleasure of warm sand between her toes.
Sheila was orphaned at 16 years old, and lived with her brother, then a foster family while graduating from Notre Dame Academy and Santa Monica City College. She then left for Fresno State University. There she majored in English and met her future husband, Ronald LeRoy Johnson in a Shakespeare class. She graduated and the two were married in 1967 and had a son, Jonathan LeRoy, later that year.
While her husband Ronald taught junior high in Fresno, Sheila stayed home and cared for their son, then the two moved to Irvine, California, where Ronald pursued his Master of Fine Arts in creative writing and Sheila was again near her beloved seaside. The couple moved to Moscow, Idaho, and then Salt Lake City, Utah, in the following years as Ronald and then Sheila both pursued additional studies. In 1972 Sheila gave birth to their second child, a daughter, Ann Marie, in Pullman, Washington (near Moscow, Idaho). The family also resided in Redding, California, and Lake Charles, Louisiana, before moving to Marquette in 1984.
Sheila was enrolled in the graduate program in English at the University of Utah, earning a Master of Arts in English in 1977. She completed her doctoral course and exam work and wrote large parts of two dissertationsone on the poet William Wordsworth, a lifelong spiritual passion of hers, and one on the film maker and writer John Saylesbefore health problems lead her to set those projects aside in favor of focusing on the everyday pleasures of her flower garden, family and friends. She taught writing at Northern Michigan University for several years and is still remembered by her students and by many, many family friends as a woman passionate about art and learning and one who believed in their spirits and individual possibilities. Her kindness and compassion were particularly strong for those less celebrated as she strove to help them see greatness in themselves.
In 1994 she gained a daughter-in-law she loved very much when Amy Howko married Jonathan. In 1996 Sheila lost a granddaughter, Hannah Marjorie Howko-Johnson, to premature stillbirth, and in 2000 her granddaughter Anya Campbell Howko-Johnson was born. Sheila spent many, many happy hours in the company of Anya, who knew her as Nana.
In recent years Sheila was wheelchair bound and a kidney dialysis patient, but she lived fully and richly with her husbandtaking rides with him down to the lakeshore to enjoy the seagulls and geeseher children and granddaughter, and her brother and sister who called and visited often. She was especially fond of her dialysis nurses and fellow patients.
Friends and family are invited to the Johnson house at 911 W. Fair to memorialize and celebrate Sheilas life from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. on Monday, February 9. Those wishing to make a donation to Lake Superior Hospice Association (225-7760) in Sheilas name are invited to do so. And all are asked to remember her with an act of kindness or compassion today.
Tributes
"Dear Johnson family, Our deepest sympathies are extended to you today, as you face one of the hardest days of your lives. I am so sad for your family, because she seemed like such a neat person, with so much of life left in her, and such a lively person. Her death was so untimely, when you look at all she had... a loving husband, sister and brother, children, and grandchildren. I can't tell you the saddness that I feel that I didn't take the opportunity to meet this fantastic woman, who could've taught me a thing or two! I think that she is up in heaven, hoping that this may be the catalyst that brings us all together again, and it will all be looked upon with great happiness in her eyes!!! Please know that we all are thinking of you during this time, and hope that you all feel the love and the support of those around you. We are here, in Michigan, and would love to have you all down for a long and relaxing weekend when you need a break, and kids are all welcome! Please call if you need anything at all... My love to you all, Missy Maclure Stiller (Ron's oldest daughter)"
"I was so sorry to read about Sheila's death. Although we met on a professional basis, we quickly became friends. She was a warm, funny and sympathtic person. She will be missed by all who had the privelage of knowing her."
"Ron--What a gallant woman and beloved wife! Shelia owned such splendid spirit, achievement, and warm charm--it was a privilege to have known her. My thoughts and prayers are with you an your family. Art Pennell"
"To the family of the bravest woman and the nicest I ever met. Though she was not able to be a public person of late, I remember her with great fondness, and hope her family will be guided by her spirit in their lives. Fondly, Toby Rose"
"Ron and Family- I am extremely sorry for your pain at this time. I am also thankful to have had the privilege of Knowing Sheila.I take with me great insperation and memories. Ron you also are a great insperation; your love, devotion, and tender care for Sheila is a great lesson for us all. Thanks!"
"To Annabelle and all of her mother's family - I've always known Sheila as Ann's mom, since Ann and I became friends some 16+ years ago. She was always so positive and warm. Sheila will always be a wise mother figure in my mind, something I think she would appreciate. I'll never forget her surprise (and support) when we managed to pull off our first Europe trip at 19! An adventurous spirit, great intellect, warmth of heart, and a courage I can't begin to imagine Sheila was an amazing woman. My deepest sympathies in this difficult time. Nicole"
"My name is Michele Mapes and I am one of the many nurses who cared for Sheila, particulary on Oncology. I am so saddened to read about Sheila's passing. Please accept my condolences. she was such a pleasure whenever I had her for a patient and such an inspiration to the human spirit. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this truly sad time. Sincerely, Michele Mapes, RNBSN"
"It was an honor to have known Sheila and what a courageous woman she was. I will always remember her and her positive attitude in life. I admired her for the strength and perservance she maintained. I will keep you all in my prayers daily. sincerely, Mary D."
"04-059f.doc by Irene Foster 11 February 2004 Dear Jonathan (about your mother), I saw her only once, yet she left a lasting impression on my life. Her vivacity her courage her tenderness touched not only her own family but also new acquaintences. like myself. Several months later before Valentines Day, I saw her smiling picture in the Mining Journal, with dates of her life and family. I also saw the precious lines of her lovely face and I thought of the love lines of her life which included all she loved. You are another in a loving testimony of her love. And forever she is a loving soul who has nourished the lives of those around here. Please accept my condolences at this time. Your Mom touched my life and hopefully and bravely I will always remember her courage and love lived in the midst of illness and pain. I believe that she still smilesonly now she is with the one who suffered greatly because of His love for us! Irene Foster"
"04-058f.doc by Leslie Foster 10 February 2004 Sheila Au revoir, Sheila, I trust that you are a permanent part of life realized, defining what is and ought to be the most real of what the heart of humanity is fulfilled. Grading papers crefully at Hardees at supper time on Friday out, you smile at me a welcome until a place to pause, ask how I fare if well as you in fruitful life. The mind and heart and spirit play over what matters most. Another day given and you are greatful for what if offers to your friends, your world, and all that needs nourishing."
"Mr. Johnson Just a note to express our sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your wife. It has been our pleasure to have known Shiela and helped in her care during her many visits to the Outpatient Surgery Unit. She will be fondly remembered by all of us. Our condolences to all of you. The Outpatient Surgery Staff at Marquette General Hospital"