Mary Legreid Johnson

Mary Mae Legreid Johnson died January 18, 2023, at her residence, Edgewood Senior Living of Blaine, MN. She was surrounded by her family. Mary was born to John and Vera (Owen) Legreid May 14, 1929, in Minneapolis MN. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her ex-husband Richard; sons Paul and David; brothers John, Sander, Clayton; and sister Carolyn. Mary is survived by her daughters Mona (David) Glesne, Anna Johnson (husband Mark McKeen). Also surviving are 4 granddaughters: Kjersti Glesne, Heidi (Darrell) Montague, Heather (David) Hegland, Jenna Corso (husband Hamid (Reza) Djenghe); 4 grandsons Mark (Corissa) Glesne, Jared (Danielle) Glesne, Aaron (Samantha) Johnson, Todd Johnson; one sister Jeanette Plaice. Also 17 great grand-children and many family members survive. When Mary was 5 years old the family moved to a farm near Sherwood ND. She loved the prairie and farm life but admits to the hard work and difficult times. She graduated from Sherwood High School in 1947 and attended Concordia College in Moorhead MN for one year. In January of 1948 the family moved to Santa Monica, CA. She married Richard Lee Johnson, January 27, 1951, in Los Angeles CA. Four children were born to them: Mona Jean, Paul Richard, David Lee and Anna Jane. Their primary home was in the Irvington District of Fremont CA from 1961-2015. Sadly, Mary and Richard divorced after 25 years of marriage. Mary was a great mom and teacher. She excelled in gardening, cooking, and sewing. She was active in her churches and as a neighbor. She was dedicated to her children and grandchildren and supported them in education and learning. She loved the outdoors and was a bold water skier in the 50's and 60's. Mary was a lifelong learner herself, especially of the Bible and then completing her bachelor's degree in 1980. She became a teacher of geography, world history, and Bible at Fremont Christian High School and was always an amateur meteorologist. Mary was a resident of Fremont, CA from 1961-2015. She loved her home in the Irvington District and was deeply saddened to have to leave it and move to Minnesota. She found a new home at Edgewood of Blaine in assisted living. Thanks to the skillful and caring staff at Edgewood, it did become her new home after a couple of years. She was grateful for being able to live out her last days there. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 11, 2023, Redeemer Lutheran Church, 61 Mississippi St. NE, Fridley, MN 55432. Visitation is at 12 noon until the time of the service at 1 pm. The family requests any memorials be sent to Fremont Christian School, 4760 Thornton Ave, Fremont CA 94536. Please specify the Mary Johnson Scholarship Fund in your gift.