"Randy, girls and family; My heartfelt sympathy is extended to you all during this difficult time. I was a classmate of Kathy at Sandy Knoll elementary school through high school and at NMU. Whenever I would see her when we were in Marquette over the past few years, she ALWAYS had that warm smile and confident, peaceful demeanor, no matter what she was experiencing. May God grant you all peace and hold you in the palm of his hand."
In loving memory of
MARY KATHRYN JOHNSON
April 12, 1954 - August 11, 2012
Mary Kathryn "Kathy" Johnson, 58, of Marquette died Saturday afternoon, August 11, 2012 at Marquette General Hospital from complications of Multiple Myeloma. Her loving family was by her side.
Born April 12, 1954 in Marquette, Kathy was the daughter of the late Clyde F. Bucklin Jr. and the late Mary L. (Stanaway) Bucklin. Kathy graduated from Marquette Senior High School in 1972. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech and Language Pathology in 1976 from Northern Michigan University, where she also received a Master's degree in Speech and Language Pathology in 1978.
She married her husband and love of her life, Randall M. Johnson, M.D. on August 9, 1980 in Marquette. During the first year of their marriage, Randy and Kathy lived in Howell, MI, and were delighted when an opportunity arose to move back to Marquette to make their home.
Kathy derived great pleasure from working with children as a Speech and Language Pathologist. She was employed by the Livingston County Intermediate School District from 1978-1981. After returning to Marquette in 1981, she initially worked as a substitute teacher in the area. In 1983, she accepted a position as a Speech and Language Pathologist in the Marquette Area Public School District, where she remained employed until she became ill in June 2008. For eight summers, she worked as a clinical supervisor for NMU's Summer Speech/Language Program, where she helped train Speech/Language Pathology students. She had a particular attachment to Parkview Elementary School, where she worked for much of her career.
Kathy was a member of P.E.O., the Marquette-Alger County Medical Society Auxiliary, and the American Speech, Hearing and Language Association. She found pleasure in decorating, antiquing, cooking, baking, sewing, shopping, traveling, reading, attending NMU hockey games, and dining out with family and friends. Additional pastimes included spending time at camp, going to the movies, and taking car rides around Presque Isle Park. She had a fondness for animals, especially Shetland Sheepdogs and horses. A lifelong night-owl, she often watched late-night movies with her two daughters. Recently, she enjoyed preparing for her daughter Chelsea's upcoming wedding. Above all, she loved raising her children and spending time with her family.
Kathy is survived by her husband of 32 years, Randall Johnson of Marquette, her daughters Lauren (Alexander) Johnson-Buck of Lansing, MI and Chelsea Johnson (fiancé Jason Hausmann) of Marquette, and her brother David Bucklin of Marietta, GA. She is also survived by her sister in-law Marilyn Foster of San Diego, CA, brother in-law Kenneth (Jacqueline) Johnson of Marquette, several nephews and nieces, two aunts, an uncle, and many cousins. Kathy dearly loved the family dog, Lexi, who will sorely miss her. She was preceded in death by her father-in-law Ellsworth K. Johnson (1982), her mother-in-law Eileen M. (Barkow) Johnson (1994), her father, Clyde F. Bucklin Jr. (2001), and her beloved mother and best friend Mary L. (Stanaway) Bucklin just one year ago.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 16, 2012 from 10 AM to 1 PM at St. Michael's Catholic Church, directly followed by a funeral Mass officiated by Rev. Larry Van Damme at 1 PM. Following the Mass, a luncheon will be served in Dunleavy Hall in the church. Interment will take place in Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Avenue, 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851, or Bay Cliff Health Camp, 310 W. Washington Street, Marquette, MI 49855.
The family is grateful for the outstanding medical care provided to Kathy in Marquette and at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. In particular, the family would like to thank Dr. Sheetal Acharya, Dr. Martha Short, Dr. Craig Coccia, Dr. Greg Bambach, Dr. John Wallace, Steve Gualdoni, P.A., and the excellent nurses and staff at both UP Hematology/Oncology Associates and Marquette General Hospital's Oncology Unit.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family. Kathy's obituary may also be viewed at www.canalefuneral.com, where relatives and friends can leave a note of remembrance in her guestbook.
Tributes
"Randy, Steve Winters and I got to know you and Kathy while helping out on your relatives' sales. We wish you and the family well in the days to come. Feel free to call if we can help in any way. Best regards, Mary and Steve"
"Our speech therapy community has lost a wonderful presence. I remember as a Communication Disorders student in the early 1980's how pleased my room-mate was to be assigned Kathy as her clinical supervisor in the schools. My room-mate loved working with Kathy and found her a supportive and caring supervisor. Kathy helped with clinical training of many students and she will be greatly missed."
"Your mother, wife and sister ahd I had many of the same issues to deal with over the last few years. Kathy was admired by both Joanne and I for her spirited fight and postive attitude. Kathy and I had several conversations about issues that really are not on the top ten list of items that most folks converse about. Kathy and her mother Mary were two of the kindest, warmest souls on the planet. The train has now come to the station so may she rest in peace."
"Dear Randy, Jeff and I wish to express our condolences to you and your family for the loss of Kathy. She was a lovely woman, warm and kind and I enjoyed conversations we had together each time we met. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Suzanne and Jeff Gephart"
"Dear Randy, Both Bill and I want to send our deepest sympathy to you in the passing of your wife. We shall keep you in our prayers. Sincerely, Bill and Barb Lyons"
"I looked forward to your family visits to Red Lobster for many years. Whenever I saw her come in I was sure to find time to make it to your table for a chat. I always enjoyed your mom's (wife's)company so much and always left our conversations with a smile. I am so saddened to hear of your loss. I will miss her visits very much."
"Dear Randy and family, As a beautiful, soft-spoken lady is how we will always remember Kathy. She fought with valor and a smile on her face and may she rest now in the Lord's arms. We send you each our thoughts and prayers in this time of sadness and know that your friends and family will help sustain you along with a lifetime of happy memories."
"Suffice it to say I was stunned when I heard the news in the infusion room on Thursday. I will miss chatting with Cathy and comparing notes on treatments and progress or lack thereof. She had a lovely presence and carried her burden beautifully. I meant it when I told her she was my role model. I looked forward to seeing if she was going to be in the room. I was comforted to hear that she had been able to go to Appleton and had a peaceful death. Thank you for the tribute to the doctors and staff in the oncology units. Our sympathies go out to you and your family."
"Randy, Lauren, Chelsea & Family, Kathy was a year ahead of me in the grad program at NMU. At that time and to this day, I always thought of her as the model speech therapist. Her intelligent, gentle, caring ways exemplified what a professional should be. I was glad to get to know her even more after grad school as a colleague and a friend."
"Randy and Family: Although I will not be able to attend the services; please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Dear Dr. Johnson and family: I was so sorry to hear of Kathy's death - she was a lovely person in all ways and had a huge positive impact in many young people's lives. Please accept my condolences."
"To Kathy's family, I was so sorry to hear of her death. I recall her as a bright, serious student in my psychology classes, and the fact that I remember her after so many years is a testimony to her exceptional character. Husband Randy and brother Dave also were my students and so I send my sympathy to them especially, along with the rest of the family. John Renfrew"
"To Kathys Family Im so very sorry to hear that Kathy Passed Away I was a student of hers .I loved Kathy she was such a wonderful person and I enjoyed talking to her.I send My Heartfelt Sympathy to you all at This Difficult Time .Love Lisa Roshak"
"Lauren, sorry to read of the passing of your mother. I recently loss my mother, and nothing anyone says will take the pain away. You will always have your memories and know that you will meet again."
"David, I am so sorry to hear about you losing your sister. I always thought so much of her and you. Please know that I will keep you and all the family in my prayers."
"Dear Randy, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your precious wife Kathy. She was truly one of the sweetest people that I have ever met. The earth has suffered a great loss, heaven has gained a beautiful angel. My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family."
"When I read of Kathy's passing I felt a real sadness. I went to MSHS with Kathy and graduated with her in 1972. A genuine, very sweet girl who was always nice to everyone. A class act. My sincere sympathy to all of you."
"Kathy will always have a place in our memories as the sweetest, most soft spoken, sincere, caring and lovely lady. I had the pleasure of working with her in the schools, as well as my son receiving speech services from Kathy. Our hearts go out to her family in this sad time. Nancy and Sam Bradbury"
"Randy, Lauren, Chelsea and of course Lexie, Our families have shared joyous times together for the past two decades. We cherish all the wonderful memories of watching your girls and our boys grow into adulthood. Let us remember that Jesus came back to show us and tell us that behind the door there is an eternal home for all of us and we will again be together with Kath someday. Love to each of you, Ron, Cher, Ben, Matthew"
"Chelsea and family, Your mom knew how to brighten my daughter Amy's day. I remember when you were in middle school Chelsea, and your smile reminded me of your mom's smile. May you and your family find peace through the grieving process."
"You don't know me and I don't know you but I new your wife and your mom and she was an awesome best friend and I loved her dearly. She was a HUGE part of my childhood. She was a BFF. So sorry for your loss. Trese Thibodeau O'Connor"
"Dear Dr. Johnson, Please accept my deepest condolences at the loss of your wife Mary Kathryn. May you be comforted with family and friends and the many wonderful memories the two of you shared."
"Dr. Johnson and Family, We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Kathy had a positive impact on many people, our son included. May you find comfort and peace in the love that surrounds you during this difficult time. Dave & Carol Puskala"
"Dear Randy and family, May your wealth of positive memories, with Kathy, comfort you at this time of devastating loss. Kathy left a very positive impact on all who were blessed enough to know her. She lived her life by example and was truly: K ind I ntelligent N urturing D evoted"
"Randy and the Johnson Family- I'm so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Christine Barkow Hill"
"Randy and Family - I hardly know what to say. Kathy was one of the most beautiful people I have ever known, soft spoken and so caring. What makes this so hard for me is my Cathryn is fighting a losing battle with cancer. Bless you all!"
"Randy and family, I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your wife. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."
"Randy, Carl and I are so very sorry to learn of Kathy's death. What a brave fight she fought! Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Lynne Hammerstrom"
"Randy, so sorry for your loss. I'll keep her always smiling face in mind. John and Jennetta"
"My memories of Kathy were her as a student in the Speech and Pathology Dept at NMU. I was at the time the Audiologist Secretary and spent alot of time talking with Kathy. She was a classy lady. My condolences to the family in your loss."
"Dear Family, Kathy's sweet soul will live in our hearts forever...She was a stunning princess with utmost poise...To my niece, Hope, who had Mrs. Johnson in second grade back 30 years ago, She looked "just like Wonder Woman"!!! Cathy was Wonder Woman...Gosh, heaven is blessed with such beauty and grace now...Her essence is in our hearts. God Bless her loving family and know I am here to help you with anything... An Old Renter and Co-Teacher, Carolyn Crowley XO"
"Dear Johnson Family, Our hearts & prayers are with you during this difficult time. My youngest daughter had the pleasure of taking Speech sessions with Mrs. Johnson when she was in Kindergarten. She will be missed. Sincerely, The Gillespie Family"
"Randy, Lauren, Chelsea and family: My heart aches for you as you begin this sad journey. May your fondest memories help you through the most difficult times. You shall remain in my prayers, I truly hope that you may find peace knowing that Kathy is no longer in pain and that she now dwells with our Lord and Savior."
"Love and healing thoughts to Kathy's family. She was a positive, thoughtful and kind person who will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her."