Helen Catherine Johnson

Helen Catherine Ellis Johnson was born to Oscar and Florence Ellis on Feb. 27th, 1926 in Lafayette, Louisiana. She passed away in the presence of her loving family on March 22, 2016 at Swedish Edmonds hospital less than one month after we had all gathered to celebrate her 90th birthday.

Helen grew up one of seven children in a loving and lively southern family and always carried her southern roots close to her heart. She was a woman of great elegance and beauty with a fiery spirit to match. She had a deep and steadfast love for her family. She loved to read and she loved her cats. She had a talent for cooking and for sewing and for growing beautiful flowers in her garden. She was passionate about her politics and loved to defend her beliefs. She always loved a good joke and she loved to laugh. How we will miss hearing that wonderful laugh.

Helen met the love of her life, Glenn Johnson, during World War II at Ryan Aircraft, in San Diego, Ca. They were married on March 29th, 1946 and their deep love and devotion for each other and for their children was unmatched. During their 51 years of marriage there would be many adventures and good times spent living in California, Montana, Idaho and Washington. Deep and lasting friendships were made wherever life led them. Several years spent living overseas in Singapore and Malaysia for Glenn’s work would be one of the highlights of their wonderful life together. They were each other’s best friend and truly soulmates.

For a number of years Helen worked at Sears where she was their top sales person in their sewing machine department. She was honored as their Sales Person of the Year and was a force to be reckoned with. She had the same tenacity for excellence in her work as she did with everything else she approached in life.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters, one brother and is survived by her younger sister, Gloria Lemke. Helen lost her cherished son Richard, in 1991 and her beloved Glenn in 1997. She leaves behind her devoted daughters Janice Overman (Bill) and Debra Brown (Michael), step daughter Renee Gumenik, eight grandchildren, Christina (Hubie), Dave, Rob (Laura), Jeff, Chris (Heidi) , Heather (Max), Dylan (Norma), and Allison ( John), 15 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Helen’s happiest hours were spent surrounded by her family. We will cherish our memories of her and how she made our family what it is today.

Helen was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. We are comforted by our faith and belief that she is once again with her beloved Glenn, her son Richard and all her loved ones that passed before.

Rest in peace Mama, until we see you again.

A private family memorial will be held to honor Helen’s life. Because of her deep love for animals, especially her cats, a donation to your local humane society in her memory is suggested.

Please email any correspondence to Debra at [email protected].

Arrangements under the direction of Bleitz Funeral Home, Seattle, WA.