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Loretta Mae Johnson

Loretta Mae Johnson, 86, a resident of Concrete, passed away at her home on Friday March 1, 2013, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on May 30, 1926, (the first baby girl born at Waldo Hospital) in Seattle, Washington, the only child of Clayton & Elizabeth (McAllister) Rupp.  She was raised and attended school in Seattle, graduating from Lincoln High School with the class of 1944.

During her late teens and early 20’s Loretta worked at a cookie factory and then as a bank teller for Washington Mutual.

Johnson, Loretta B&W

While commuting to Seattle to work on a Logavista bus she met Harvey Walter Johnson and fell in love and they were united in marriage on July 17, 1948 in Seattle and they made their home and raised their family in Bothell for over 20 years.  In 1969 they moved to Sedro-Woolley where together they lived until Harvey’s death in 1992.  In 2008 Loretta moved to Concrete.

For most of those years Loretta was a devoted wife and mother and after Harvey passed away she became her father’s care giver until his death in 1995.

Loretta had the preverbal green thumb.  Her yard and garden were adorned with numerous rhododendrons, azaleas and primroses, which she lovingly tended to for years.

She also enjoyed collecting recipe books.

Loretta is survived by her daughters, Elaine Marie Loto’aniu of Concrete and her husband Tupou Ma’ufanga Loto’aniu of Tonga, and Marla Leigh Johnson of Sedro-Woolley. Her grandchildren, Matamoana Lynn Tupou and spouse Peter Dean Tupou, Jennifer Renae Berlin and spouse Daniel Kenneth Berlin, Darci Marie Martinez, and Dina Elizabeth Lavaki and  spouse Paula Pasina Lavaki.  Her great-grandchildren, Nathanial Anthony Tupou, Loretta ‘Ana-Fifita Tupou, Elyse Lanae Matamoana Pasina Lavaki, Dylon Daniel Berlin, Kylee Lorraine Berlin and Megan Love Berlin.

The family would like to thank Dr. Edwin Stickle, Visiting Angels and Hospice of the Northwest for their care of our Mom in her last few months.

Memorials in honor of Loretta are suggested to the Light House Mission, 910 Holly Street, Bellingham, WA 98225.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, March 8, 2013 at 3:30 pm at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery with Pastor Billy Farrar of the Grace Church in Mount Vernon officiating.  Visitation is available Tuesday thru Thursday from 9 to 5 and on Friday from 9 until noon

 

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3 Comments To "Loretta Mae Johnson"

#1 Comment By Linda Berlin On 03/05/2013 @ 2:13 pm

May your memories bring you comfort.

#2 Comment By Peter dean Tupou On 03/13/2013 @ 4:02 am

Grandma is with God in heaven. It was such a pleasure for me to play you songs on the piano in your nursing home last christmas. Every time I remember those special occasions I feel so blessed to be a part of that chapter of your life. Your name lives on through your name sake, my daughter loretta and may your legacy of hard work and loyalty continue on in our family.

#3 Comment By Melissa Martinez Milligan On 12/28/2014 @ 3:35 pm

I remember visiting them with my Aunt Marla and my cousins– some of the best times with them were over there! She gave me a wonderful Aunt and I am forever thankful!