Obituary of Gwendolyn Nola Johnson
Gwendolyn Nola Johnson was born on January 23, 1927, in Joliet, IL. She died peacefully on February 25, 2023, in Morris, IL. She was the daughter of Mayfield Shaw and Nola (Taylor) Shaw and attended Joliet schools, graduating from Joliet Township High School with the class of 1944. Gwendolyn married Vernon K. Johnson on September 15, 1948.
Gwen enjoyed raising five children and then helping with her grandchildren while working in Morris, Springfield, and finally retiring from the Joliet Employment Security Office in 1994. Although Gwen moved from place to place, she thrived in every location and always made friends wherever she went. During her later years, she lived at Elliott Manor in Morris and enjoyed their activities. She always loved playing cards and she had an uncanny knack for winning the game. Gwen was a helper, whatever you needed, whenever you needed it, she was there. Family was her greatest joy and accomplishment. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and Grundy Senior Club.
Gwen is survived by her five children, Gail (Jim) Bumgarner, Karen (late Wally) Britz, Terry Kinsella, Jan (Mike) Bogart, and Jay (Lorraine) Johnson; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one brother, Wesley (Esther) Shaw and several dear nieces and nephews also survive.
Preceded by her husband, parents, mother-in-law, Florence Easterby, and sister, Virginia Delkus Blair.
Private graveside services will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Joliet.
A celebration of her life will be held Friday, March 3, 2023, at Morris Moose Lodge, 3835 Route 47, Morris, IL, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. All friends and family are welcome to attend and share pictures and memories of her amazing life. In lieu of flowers, Gwen has requested a donation be made to the charity of your choice.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude and appreciation to Joliet Lightways Hospice for all the loving care and counsel over the years and especially during mom’s final days. Also thanks to the wonderful staff at Park Pointe Nursing Home for their thoughtful support during mom’s stay.
God Bless
Arrangements entrusted to Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, Morris. For information, please call (815) 942-5040 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
