Frances Marjorie (Hellickson) JOHNSON

HELLICKSON, JOHNSON, EKEDAHL, OLEARY, CALDERONE, JOHANNESEN, PITTS, MCLEAN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 1/2/2009 at 21:32:49

South Bend Tribune, Indiana
August 6, 2008

February 15, 1921 - August 5, 2008

SOUTH BEND, Indiana - Frances Marjorie (Hellickson) Johnson, 87, died in her sleep at 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 5, 2008, in Regency Place of South Bend after years of complications from a form of Parkinson's Disease which affects the body's autonomic systems. She lived a life full of love, showing strength, dignity and deep faith throughout her days. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hardy, Iowa, and had been a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of South Bend since 1959.

Frances was born February 15, 1921, on a farm in Hardy, Iowa, to Joseph and Hannah (Ekedahl) Hellickson. Both preceded her in death as did her oldest brother, Howard Hellickson, whose wife, Ethel, survives. Four brothers survive, Floyd Hellickson and Gerald Hellickson of California, Glenn Hellickson of Iowa and Charles Hellickson (Louise) of Ohio. Frances, known as "Sis" by her family, always had terrific memories and stories of her life on the farm with five brothers! Frances married the love of her life, Walter E. Johnson, after waiting for him to return from serving our country in WWII. They were wed on Oct. 29, 1944, in Humboldt, Iowa. They lived in both Iowa and Chicago until 1958, when they decided to make South Bend their family home. They enjoyed life together until "Wally" died suddenly on Feb. 19, 1974. Five children were born from their love: three daughters and two sons, all of whom survive. They are Marjorie O'Leary of South Bend, Bette Calderone (Alfonso) of Mishawaka, Louise Johannesen of South Bend, Edward Johnson (InSuk) of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Vernon Johnson (Melissa) of Grand Haven, Michigan. Frances also has 14 grandchildren, David O'Leary (Renae'), Andrea O'Leary, Gregory O'Leary, all of Virginia, Steven O'Leary of Texas, Jerome Calderone of Florida, John Calderone (Amy) of Noblesville, Laurie Johannesen Oliver (Lance) of Mishawaka, Timothy Calderone (Christine) of Mishawaka, Diane Johnson of Hawaii, Lisa Pitts (Jimmy) of Missouri, Daniel Johnson (Kristina) of Washington, Lindy McLean (Andrew), Cara Johnson and Amery Johnson, all of Michigan. She also has 11 great-grandchildren, Gina, Javan, Jeremy, Stephanie, Hannah, Timothy, Kathleen, Savannah, Jacob, Anna and Luke. Her first great-great-grandchild, Carter, is due to be born in a few days.

Frances loved her family beyond measure, and being "Mommy" and Grandma was her greatest joy in life. She lovingly helped raise her grandchildren, Laurie and Tim, and enjoyed visiting her other grandchildren in different places, always leaving her love and memories with them. She also cared for many neighborhood children who still love her and remember her special little snack trays. All of us have been blessed by her kindness, her sweet, silly humor, and her generous heart. After Wally died, Frances worked at Memorial Hospital in the dietary department where she felt a good purpose working in the healthcare field. She retired in 1990, but still enjoyed all the friendships she made there. She walked for the March of Dimes walk, and was always one of the first walkers back, in spite of her age! She was able to travel often while she was in good health, and even fulfilled her lifelong dream to visit Norway, the land of her family heritage of which she was so very proud. She was a charter member of the Knute Rockne Sons of Norway Lodge in South Bend. She enjoyed all the Scandinavian customs, and her Norwegian Pancakes are legendary among family and friends!

Frances had many interests including flowers, rocks, butterflies, hummingbirds, and antiques. She had many creative talents including baking, cake decorating, photography and sewing. And she absolutely loved anything lavender or purple! Frances nurtured many good friendships in her life, and treasured her coffee chats and "luppers" with them all! She always kept everyone in the family informed about each other through the lost art of writing beautiful, long letters. Her extended family is so large, but somehow each member had a special place in Frances' heart. She will leave a hole in each of our hearts, but they will be filled with wonderful memories of her, so her love will be with us forever. The family is grateful for the care Frances received from the people at Regency Place, Memorial Hospital, Memorial Home Care, Real Services, The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, and for all the thoughts and continued prayers received from so many people, including the members of Good Shepherd Church. Funeral plans are being handled by the Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10076 McKinley Highway in Osceola, IN, where visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2008. Funeral services will be led by Pastor Ken Peterson at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1021 Manchester Drive, South Bend, on Friday, August 8, 2008, at 2:00 p.m., with a visitation in the church for one hour before the services. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens following the services. Please feel free to wear any shade of purple!

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