Margaret Jayne Johnson's Obituary
Margaret Jayne (Hansen) Johnson passed away peacefully in her home on June 11, 2023. Her daughters were so fortunate to be able to spend time with her in the preceding weeks, and be by her side as she was reunited with her husband, Richard. She met Richard (Dick) in college in 1949. He attended Washington State University while she was attending University of Washington. They married in August of 1950, and were married for 45 years until his death in 1995.
Margaret was born to Danish immigrants: her father, Hans Peter Hansen of Vejen, Denmark, and her mother, Clara Annette Hansen of Tacoma, Washington. She was preceded in death by her sister, Bergitte Dahl. Margaret loved her family near and far. When she and Dick had the opportunity to visit relatives in Denmark, it broadened her love for relatives, family history, and familial ties even more.
Margaret attended Stadium High School in Tacoma. She was involved in many different organizations while in school, including Girl’s Club President. Upon graduation in 1948, she was honored with the Janet Hufford Award, an honor she was very proud to have received.
Margaret joined the Delta Gamma sorority when she started at University of Washington. She stayed active with the alumni association all her life, and maintained close friendships with many of her sorority sisters. She was also very involved in her community through volunteer efforts, and continued these efforts throughout her life. Margaret served on the Tacoma Cotillion Committee, Junior League of Tacoma, Nesika Club, The Governor’s Mansion Foundation, multiple Orthopedic Guilds, and President of the Tacoma Garden Club. Margaret and Dick were long time members of the Tacoma Country and Golf Club.
During their wonderful marriage, the two of them shared adventures that took them throughout Europe and Asia. Margaret was a native of Tacoma, Washington. Except for the years Dick spent in the military, Margaret and Dick made their home in Tacoma. Margaret and Dick spent several years living part time in Japan where they managed The Johnson Group, a business founded by Dick.
It is impossible to mention Margaret without discussing her love of gardening. She maintained beautiful gardens for her children and grandchildren to enjoy, and spent time in the yard at every opportunity.
Any that knew Margaret can attest to her unfaltering kindness, sense of giving and generosity, and her dedication to community and her wide circle of friends. This was only surpassed by her love for her family. She was the heart and soul of her family, a binding agent that will be dearly missed. The family legacy she created will live on.
Margaret is survived by her three daughters, Karen Bruback, Clare Hansen, (John) and Ann Marsh, her grandchildren, Randall Ellis (April), Margaret Bigler (Josh), Elizabeth Gentes (Conor), Andrew Gregor, Scott Gregor, as well as her great-grandchildren, Jack, Margaret , Georgia, Lucy, Jacob, Lorenzo, Liam and Liv.
There will be a Celebration of Life at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club on Saturday, June 24th at 12:00 pm.
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