Mary Ann Johnson

Mary Ann Elizabeth Johnson passed away quietly on Thursday, April 11 surrounded by her adoring family. Mary Ann was born on May 21, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois.. 

Mary Ann had a larger than life personality and  loved fashion, shoes, the color purple and leopard print. She was known for her Jackie O sun glasses, quick wit, great sense of humor and easy laugh. Mary Ann was a fantastic cook, always willing to take a chance on a gourmet recipe from The Galloping Gourmet and most recently Ina Garten.  She collected recipes and cookbooks writing her review with her signature, swirling the word “marvelous” or “delicious” next to the dish.  She was a wonderful hostess and made every special occasion; birthday’s, Thanksgiving, Christmas or the Fourth of July a tradition and a beautiful memory.     

Mary Ann was raised in Chicago by her adopted parents Lester and Lillian Timpe along with her brother Jack and a multitude of beloved bulldogs and Great Danes. This was the beginning of her love for animals big and small. She was popular and well liked being voted senior class president at St Rita’s all girl catholic high school.

She moved from the Midwest to California with her husband Robert in the mid 1950’s but became a true Southern Californian moving to Huntington Beach in 1968 with her 6 kids in tow.

While raising her children she worked as a retail associate at Youngland and Ace Hardware in Costa Mesa.  Mary Ann became an entrepreneur, opening California Check Cashing in 1986. In her late 70’s she was a kindergarten crossing guard, holding her stop sign for over 8 years. She loved her role but not the brightly colored vest, a uniform requirement.  However, her new little friends and their parents made up for it by showing their appreciation and love with flowers and cards for her smile and kindness. The Daily Pilot newspaper honored her with a picture and article of a job well done.

But mostly Mary Ann was a devoted mother first and foremost to her 6 children. Donna Lee, Debra Lynn, Jeffrey Robert, Jan Marie, and the Twins; Sandra Ann and Scott Robert. Whether it was the summer weekly trips to the beach, bonfires with wienie roasts, backyard BBQ’s, decorating homemade Christmas cookies, or just singing songs during bath time (“ I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair”), she treasured and embraced every moment with them.

In 2010 she lost her beloved son and best friend, Jeffrey Robert to cancer.  

Mary Ann leaves behind her 5 surviving children; daughter Donna Lee and husband Brad Bradshaw, Debra and her husband Donald Herweck, Jan Marie and her husband Mark Breitfuss, Sandee and her husband Jamie Mack and Scott Johnson and his wife Dawn.

She will be missed by her 9 grandchildren; Ashley and Justin, from her late son Jeff, Anthony, Aimee, Amber, Andrew, Aric, Ali, Adam and her 2 great grandchildren Charlie and Luke.

A pre gathering/visitation is scheduled Tuesday April 30 from 6-8pm Tuesday, April 30 at the Heritage Memorial Services, 17712 Beach Blvd. Huntington Beach, CA.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at 11:00am on Wednesday, May 1 at St Mary’s by the Sea Catholic Church, 321 10th Street, Huntington Beach CA. Interment will follow at Good Shepard Cemetery, Huntington Beach, CA.

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