Obituary of Helen Mary Johnson

Helen M. (Spencer) Johnson, age 81, of Midland, Michigan, died Friday, December 11, 2020, under the loving care of the staff at Stone Crest Assisted Living of Freeland, MI. She was born February 23,1939, in Midland, to the late John and Freda (Reily) Spencer. After attending Midland High School, Helen went on to The University of Michigan where she received her nursing degree. She then began her career working in the medical center at Dow Chemical. Helen went on to have a few different nursing positions in the Midland community. In 1965, she met and later married James “Jim” Johnson. Jim liked to make it known that he proposed on their first date and she turned him down, but when he asked on their second date, she agreed. He proved to have good instincts as they went on to be happily married for 41 years. Helen had a heart for serving others; whether it was through her nursing, her activities with The Episcopal Church (locally at St. John’s Midland, at the state level helping to build The Diocese of Eastern Michigan and even nationally), her missionary trips to Haiti, Bible studies, Cursillo retreats, volunteering in the community, helping out at Camp Chickagami, or just entertaining family and friends in her home. It could even be seen in her hobbies. Many are blessed to have eaten Helen’s baked goods, received something she had sewn or knitted, been gifted a piece of her handmade jewelry, or have one of her watercolor paintings hanging in their home. Helen also served through her gift of music. She often sang and played her acoustic guitar for church events and led many campfire singalongs. (Helen’s children have her to thank for their appreciation of folk music, whether they might all admit that is a different story.) Helen’s family believes there was a beautiful reunion as she joined her husband, James Johnson, who preceded her in death in 2007. She will be remembered by her brother Robert (Elane) Spencer; her son, Thomas Johnson and daughter in law Christy (Legg); her son, Donald Johnson and her daughter in law Jennifer (Malley); daughter, Mary (Johnson) Palazzolo and son in law Vincent; her granddaughters, Keller and Quinlan Johnson and Evelyn Palazzolo and her grandson, Emery Palazzolo. Helen’s family is planning a memorial service to celebrate her life, where we hope to be able to gather together, whether inside or out, on June 19, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Midland, MI. Those wishing to express their sympathy are asked to please consider donations to the following organizations: Stone Crest Assisted Living, 255 N. Main St, Freeland, MI 48623 (payment to Stone Crest Assisted Living), https://baruchsls-stonecrest.kindful.com/; Camp Chickagami, 924 N. Niagara St., Saginaw, MI 48601 (payment to Camp Chickagami) https://campchickagami.org/. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Arrangements made with Cremation Society of Mid Michigan 989-892-1772.