Rose Mary Ann Johnson, 94, longtime Negaunee and Ishpeming resident, passed away early Friday morning, May 26, 2017 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility.
Rose was born April 12, 1923 in Ishpeming to Anthony and Lisa (Carello) Valenti and attended Ishpeming Schools through 8th grade, at which time she stayed home to help care for her younger siblings. Rose returned to school and earned her diploma from Negaunee High School at age 50.
Rose married George Bernhard Johnson (Benny) on February 14, 1946 (Valentine’s Day) in Ishpeming. Rose worked numerous jobs in Marquette County, including the Gossard Factory and the Holiday Inn from which she retired in 1983.
Mrs. Johnson was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Ishpeming and St. Paul Catholic Church in Negaunee. She was also a member of the Negaunee VFW Auxiliary, Paisano Club of Ishpeming, the Lady Druids and Negaunee Jolly Elders. In her free time, Rose enjoyed sewing, crocheting, playing cards, traveling, and was a wonderful cook. She was a terrific letter writer, often corresponding with several relatives, friends and pen pals throughout the country. Most of all, Rose cherished time spent with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren.
Surviving are her son, Roger (Susan) Johnson of Brooklyn Park, MN; two daughters, Marsha Carlson of Gladstone, MI and Barbara (John) Wright of Springfield, MO; seven grandchildren: Rob (Christi) Ryan and Benjamin (Amanda) Carlson, Anna Wright, Erin (Chad) Isaacs, Laura (Wade) Johnson, Joe (Jana) Johnson and Megan (Mark) Lakanen; 14 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Cecelia Thompson of Las Vegas, Nevada and Genevieve ‘Jenny Ann’ Valenti of Ishpeming; her brother, Victor ‘Viti’ (Charlotte) Valenti of Ishpeming; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1963; brothers: Frank, Dominic, Nick and Salvator Valenti; and her sister, Katherine Bradford Aho.
The Johnson and Valenti families extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility for the compassionate care provided for Rose.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 am on Wednesday, May 31st at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Ishpeming with Rev. Fr. Larry VanDamme officiating. Burial will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends from 9:30 am until the time of Mass at 11:30 am at the church on Wednesday, and also at a luncheon in the church hall following the Funeral Mass.

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