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HARVEY, MI - Eleanor T. Johnson, age 98, of Harvey, entered eternal life Thursday morning, September 17, 2026, at the Norlite Nursing Center, in the loving, comforting care of her family.
Born May 26, 1928, in Marquette, a daughter of Samuel and Eva (Cota) Longtine, Eleanor was raised in Marquette and graduated from Graveraet High School, Class of 1947. During her high school years, and following graduation, she worked part time at Donckers. Like so many other young women of her time, Eleanor's first full time work experience came when she began employment with Michigan Bell Telephone as a telephone operator. In December of 1950, Eleanor was united in marriage to Spencer Clayton Johnson. The couple resided for a time in Marquette and Skandia, before moving to Harvey in 1956. Eleanor continued working for Bell Telephone for almost 30 years, taking occasional time off to raise her family. She retired from Bell in the early 1980's and continued working another five years in the kitchen at the Garden Room Restaurant. Throughout the years, Eleanor and Spencer enjoyed a camp at AuTrain Lake and later operated a hobby farm in Dukes for 30 years. She was a talented cook and enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and gardening. The couple had a wonderful circle of friends with whom they shared get-togethers, playing cards, and attending Suomi Kutsuu dances around the area.
A loving and devoted mother and grandmother, Eleanor is survived by her sons, Spencer (Jean) Johnson and Carl A. (Mary Kay) Johnson both of Harvey; her grandchildren, Matthew Johnson, Alison (Gary) Matelski, Lindsey (Nate) Swenson, Amanda (Lance Fischer) Johnson, Michelle (Brandon) Morey; great-grandchildren, Eliana and Sophia Johnson, Rylan, Laila, and Jayda Matelski, Vincent Lebakken, Priya and Avalyn Morey; numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents; Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband, Spencer, in 2005; infants, Christine and Joseph; sister and brother-in-law, Margaret (LeRoy) Kolky; brothers and sisters-in-law, Alfred (Doris) Longtine, Louis (Betty) Longtine, Francis (Hazel) Longtine, and Sam (Joyce) Longtine.
The family will receive relatives and friends at St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey on Friday, September 25, beginning at 10:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am. A reception will follow in Fr. Gauthier Hall. Interment will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at the Norlite Nursing Center and Brookridge Heights Assisted Living for their compassionate and professional care, and for the many kindnesses extended to the family.
Fassbender Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com