Submitted by: Dan Rich
Feb. 15, 1921 - Aug. 5, 2008
South Bend Tribune 8/6/2008
SOUTH BEND - 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. 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 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.
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.