On Friday, November 6, 2020, our dear mother and friend, Rose Mary Johnson, passed away in the early hours and was lifted to heaven. There, our mom will be joyously and eternally reunited with her parents, Joseph and Elvira (Morcomb) Simon, her brothers, Curtis Simon and Joseph Simon and with her twin sister, Rita Fritz.
We are grateful for her spirit that met each day renewed even as her health was declining. We will carry in our hearts forever the great love she had for everyone in her family: for her loving son Dr. Garner P. Johnson of Albany New York and for her dear daughter Sheryl A. Nouaux and for her dear son-in-law Michael E. Nouaux of Kenwood California and for her cherished grandchildren: Brendan Johnson, Caroline Johnson, Patricia Johnson, Alexander Nouaux, and Joseph Nouaux. Rose had a special bond with her nephew and his wife, Kurt and Joan Simon, and she shared many happy occasions with the entire extended Simon Family.
Born in Winona Minnesota on January 16, 1932, our mother grew up honing her artistic skills and enjoying horseback riding. She graduated from Winona Teachers College with honors. Following 15 years of marriage to Howard C. Johnson, she moved to Rochester Minnesota in 1967 to raise her family. She first taught English and served as an educational mentor in Dover-Eyota. Rose retired from a long and creative career as a Scientific Illustrator in the medical field working from her office in the Plummer Building at the Mayo Clinic.
During retirement, Rose had everlasting friendships among her neighbors in Rochester and they offered great comfort, support, and laughter. She loved reading and listening to Chopin and creating inspired dinners. She spent long enjoyable hours in her garden and was always ready for a game of Scrabble or a chat over the fence or sharing a cup of coffee at her table. Our family extends special gratitude to the caregivers and staff at Visiting Angels, Madonna Towers, St. Mary’s Hospital and the Mayo Clinic. Mom told us she was especially happy to be 88 in 2020!
Rose was an awesome lady, and so very hard working!
So sad to hear of your sudden passing Rose. We will miss seeing you at family get togethers. We loved hearing your interesting stories about life and your opinions on world events. We always enjoyed talking to you about family tales from the past. Especially the ones regarding your brothers (my father Curt) and my (uncle Joe). I will treasure those memories. Have a peaceful journey. Love B&B.