Mary Johnson

Mary Evelyn Cupery Johnson, age 90, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 28, 2017 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Mary was born to Nicholas & Jennie Cupery in 1927 in Friesland, WI. She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Bob in 2013. Mary is survived by their 5 children – Robert W. Johnson, Jr. (Sheila) of Rockville, MD, Barbara Newcombe (David) of Cambridge, England, Nancy Rash Sutherland (Steve) of Anderson, SC, Richard Johnson (Betsy) of Ellicott City, MD and Steven Johnson (Linda) of Jacksonville, FL, 15 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, her sister-in-law, Bette Good of Glen Mills, PA and numerous nieces and nephews. All benefited from the love, values, compassion, work ethic and kindness she and Bob instilled in their family.

Mary grew up in the small town of Friesland, Wisconsin. She was an only child, but was surrounded by and was very close to her many cousins. After high school, Mary attended Milwaukee County School of Nursing, graduating in 1948 as a Registered Nurse. She then followed several uncles who had settled in Wilmington, DE and began work in the maternity ward of Memorial Hospital. During that time, a friend introduced her to Bob, the love of her life, and they were married in 1951. Together they raised 5 children in a home they built in Windsor Hills and where they lived for 55 years until moving to Maris Grove in Glen Mills, PA in 2007. While Mary retired from her nursing career upon getting married, she stayed active, volunteering at Grace United Methodist Church (where the whole family was active), Wilmington Friends School, the Delaware Nature Center, and Church Women United. Mary loved gardening, organizing family activities of all kinds and also loved nurturing children. Even in the late stages of Alzheimer’s when she no longer recognized family, she reacted to children with smiles and hugs. Bob retired in 1990 and he and Mary traveled extensively on their own and visiting their children across the US and abroad. Mary’s family would like to thank the staff and volunteers of Rose Court/Maris Grove, Home Instead Senior Care (Media, PA), and Willow Tree Hospice for their care and support over the years.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions in Mary’s memory be made to Grace United Methodist Church 900 N Washington Street Wilmington, DE 19801 (http://www.gracechurchum.org/home1.aspx).