Marion Lee Johnson

Marion Lee Johnson (née Thompson) was born in Escanaba, Michigan on September 27, 1938 to Vernon and Dora Thompson. She was the second child of their union, with the first, Dorothy, having died shortly after childbirth, and the third, Sharon, born nine years later.

After moving to Chicago, Marion met Donald Johnson while working at Sears Roebuck and Co. They were married May 21, 1967 and had two children: Eric (Julie) Johnson and Karen (Chad) Zipse.

Together they raised their children in Palos Heights, IL where Marion worked cleaning office buildings, then as a short order cook at Westgate Country Club, and finally in an office building cafeteria in Oak Brook.

When she was not working, Marion loved attending her children’s sporting events, baking, and crocheting. She was an active member of the Lighthouse Church of All Nations and volunteered there regularly. Her baking was renowned at the church with her banana bread and cream cheese squares receiving great acclaim.

After the death of her husband in 2000, she moved to Crestwood, Illinois. Over the years she took an active role in watching her five grandchildren (JD, Abby, Charlianne, Charlie, and Liam) grow up: babysitting, attending soccer games, dance recitals, choir and band concerts, and hockey games. In 2017 Marion suffered a stroke, but she fought back to live independently until early 2022.

On June 9, 2023 Marion was called home to rest in eternity. She leaves to cherish her memories her sister Sharon (Steve) Fuernstahl, her son Eric (Julie) Johnson, her daughter Karen (Chad) Zipse, her five grandchildren, her childhood friend Ed Fleury, and a wealth of nieces, nephews, and friends.