Helen Miriam Johnson
MARQUETTE, MI – Helen Miriam Johnson, age 95, a lifelong resident of Marquette, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, at Eastwood Nursing Center in Negaunee.
Born on July 6, 1930, in Marquette, Helen was the daughter of Matt and Vieano (Tuuri) Maki and was raised in Marquette. Following her schooling, she married the love of her life, Lowell Johnson, in 1956. Together, they purchased property on Granite Street, where they built a home and raised their family, creating a lifetime of cherished memories.
Helen was a devoted homemaker throughout her life, taking great pride in caring for her family and home. After Lowell’s passing, she moved to an apartment, where she continued to live independently for the past seven years.
Helen found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved gardening, spending time in her home, and watching the wild birds and animals that visited her backyard. She especially treasured time spent at the family camp. Proud of her Finnish heritage, Helen was deeply family-oriented and will be remembered for her quiet strength, warmth, and devotion to those she loved.
She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth (Robert) Swanson of Marquette; her son, James Johnson of Duluth; her daughter-in-law, Mary Johnson of Marquette; her granddaughter, Michelle (Eric) Cherland of Minneapolis; and her great-granddaughter, Senja Cherland of Minneapolis. She is also survived by her sisters, Isabelle Maki of Medford, Oregon, and Edith Pariseau of Gwinn; her brother, Michael (Sheila) Maki of Marquette; a special nephew, Greg Maki of Marquette; along with many nieces and nephews.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Lowell; her son, Robert; her brothers, Arthur, Alfred, Arnold, Raymond, Albert, Donald, and William; and her sisters, Lillian, Martha, Louise, and Gertrude.
Honoring Helen’s wishes, private graveside services will be held.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to PA Cassie Sundberg, UPHS Marquette, Eastwood Nursing Center, and Lake Superior Home Health and Hospice for the compassionate care shown to Helen.
The Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family, where condolences may be expressed online at www.fassbenderswansonhansen.com.