Edina, MN - Mary Lou Johnson was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She entered this world on the eleventh of March, nineteen fifty-two, and departed for her heavenly home on the twenty-eighth of April, twenty twenty-six.

Mary Lou was born the eldest of three children to Dolores and Captain Robert H. Schroeder on the North Shore of Glenview, Illinois. She often recounted the splendor of her childhood summers spent at Lake Geneva, riding horses and enjoying precious time with family. When she became a wife and mother, her dreams came true. A natural caretaker and homemaker, she filled every sanctuary she created with love, peace, beauty, and a deep sense of belonging, all wrapped in a warmth that radiated from within. She never missed a meal, game, recital, or opportunity to snuggle up in bed with her whole family. Annual trips to vacation homes among the red rocks of Sedona and Boca Raton, Florida became treasured memories. Her selflessness continued long after her children were grown, as she lovingly took on the role of caregiver for her parents. For more than a decade and a half, she quietly laid down her own desires, schedule, and comforts to ensure they were loved, honored, and deeply cared for in her home during their final years.

Her faith was not simply something she spoke about on Sundays; it was woven into the very fabric of who she was. She listened without interrupting, forgave without punishing, gave generously without expecting reciprocity, prayerfully protected her people, kept her promises, and was always patient, kind, gentle, and understanding. She truly practiced love in everything she did. After twenty-five years as a diligent student of The Word, Mom said this about Bible Study Fellowship (BSF): "It is the only true higher education one could ever need."

She is reverently mourned by her husband, Dr. Robert Johnson MD; her daughter, Lisa Marie; her son, Jeffrey; stepdaughters, Marla and Christina; siblings, Lori and Scott; beloved granddog, Shelby; and the many cherished friends she considered family. Mary Lou leaves behind a foundational legacy of steadfast faith in God, the promise of eternity through Christ Jesus and a life spent loving others deeply, faithfully, and without condition. We are certain she reached the pearly gates and heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Her Celebration of Life will take place at Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina at two o'clock in the afternoon on Friday, June twelfth, in the main sanctuary, with a visitation at one o'clock and reception to follow. Services will also be live streamed and recorded online. We welcome all who knew and loved Mary Lou to join us in honoring and celebrating her beautiful life and the love and kindness she shared with so many.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Bible Study Fellowship or Cornerstone, honoring her 25 years of faithful study of God's Word and compassionate service to survivors of domestic abuse.

Memorials:

https://www.bsfinternational.org/support/memorials-and-honorariums/

https://cornerstonemn.org/

Livestream:

cpcedina.org/memorials