Mary Lou Johnson

Mary Lou Johnson, age 76, of Two Harbors, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2026, at The Waterview Shores in Two Harbors, following a courageous three-year journey with lung cancer.

Born on May 20, 1950, to Kathryn and Clyde Hedin, Mary Lou was raised in Two Harbors, where she graduated from Two Harbors High School with the Class of 1968. She went on to earn her Registered Nurse (RN) degree from St. Luke’s School of Nursing in 1971.

Fifty-five years ago, Mary Lou married the love of her life, her greatest confidant, and best friend, David “Benna” Johnson. Together they built a home filled with laughter, unwavering love, and countless memories. Their marriage was one of partnership and devotion. Of all the blessings in her life, she often shared that, “My husband is the best part of me.”

After beginning their life together in Two Harbors, Mary Lou and David spent nearly seven years in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, before returning to Two Harbors—the community they were proud to call home. It was there that they raised their family, built lifelong friendships, and Mary Lou continued to make a lasting impact on the lives of those around her.

For 44 years, Mary Lou devoted her life to caring for others as a registered nurse. Nursing was never simply a profession, it was her calling. She said, “When I’m with my patients, it doesn’t feel like work…it feels like that’s where I’m supposed to be.” Her patients were never just patients; they became family, and she treated each person with kindness, dignity, and compassion.

Mary Lou was a proud member of the St. Luke’s Nurse Honor Guard, an organization dedicated to honoring nurses who have completed their earthly journey through the Nightingale Tribute Ceremony. She was also a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and Vermilion Dream Quilters Guild.

Together, Mary Lou and David raised two daughters, Gina and Patti, who were the pride of her life. In her private journal, she lovingly referred to them as her “she-roes”- her heroes. She celebrated their strength, their compassion, and the women they became, writing, “Our two daughters have truly figured out the meaning of life, of family, and of love...we are blessed.”

Nothing brought Mary Lou greater joy than her five grandchildren- Kalei Kleive, Keith (Destiney) Johnson, Parker Kleive, Devin Kleive, and Kyle Johnson. She treasured

every birthday, graduation, sporting event, holiday, and special moment spent together. She loved planning celebrations, cheering from the sidelines, creating traditions, and making each grandchild feel uniquely loved. Watching them grow was one of the greatest gifts of her life.

Mary Lou lived with intention. She approached life with purpose, always finding ways to make people feel loved, included, and valued. Whether caring for others, creating family traditions, planning celebrations, or offering words of encouragement, she put thought and heart into everything she did.

Mary Lou was a person who believed life was meant to be celebrated. She had an extraordinary gift for creating moments that became memories. She loved to go “finding”—searching for the perfect treasure while thrifting with her dad, girlfriends, sister, or daughters. A trip to Duluth was never just a shopping trip; it was a day filled with laughter, conversation, discovery, and time spent together with the people she loved.

She didn’t just host celebrations—she created experiences where people felt welcomed, valued, and loved. Her creativity, attention to detail, and generosity turned ordinary moments into cherished memories. She gathered beauty and inspiration with purpose, always thinking about how she could make something special for someone else.

Quilting was another expression of that same love. She enjoyed choosing fabrics, creating designs, and making quilts that carried warmth, comfort, and meaning for the people who received them.

Beyond celebrations, Mary Lou embraced life’s simple joys. She loved traveling with David, creating memories together wherever the road led them. Some of her happiest moments were spent at the family cabin on Thomas Lake, surrounded by family and dear friends. Gathered around the table, enjoying time on the lake, or sharing stories and laughter, the cabin was a place where traditions were cherished and love was always abundant.

When Mary Lou was diagnosed with lung cancer, she met the challenge with the same determination, faith, and strength that defined every chapter of her life. She was never one to quit. She faced each day with courage, refusing to let cancer define her story. Instead, she continued to find purpose in every moment she was given.

During the past two years, Mary Lou journaled her “Pearls of Wisdom”. They included reminders, stories, humor, songs, Scriptures, and lessons she wanted her family to remember. Some were profound, others delightfully funny, but all reflected the heart of

the woman who wrote them. Through her words, she continued to teach, encourage, and love the people who meant the most to her.

She reminded those she loved to “Give yourself some grace,” to “Celebrate the things that make you different,” and that “Life is amazing.” She believed in working hard, laughing often, and always making time for family. She encouraged others to chase their dreams because “Tomorrow is not promised,” and to remember that “A happy heart is like good medicine.”

Her faith remained the foundation of her life. One verse she returned to often was Psalm 118:24: “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” She believed each day was a gift from God. As her journey neared its end, she found peace in knowing, as she wrote, “Jesus will bring me home.”

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Kathryn and Clyde Hedin, and her sister, Julie Ann Hedin.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, David “Benna” Johnson; her daughters, Gina (Scott) Kleive and Patti (Paul) Johnson; and her five cherished grandchildren: Kalei Kleive, Parker Kleive, Devin Kleive, Keith (Destiney) Johnson, and Kyle Johnson.

She is also survived by her sister Sally (Alan) Walstad; sister-in-law Betty Hassett; brother-in-law Dale (Tracey) Johnson; nephews, Michael (Crystal) Hein, Richard Hein, Shawn Hassett, Bryan Hassett, Danny Johnson, C. Ryan Johnson, Leif Johnson; nieces Deanne Combs, Christine Frankovsky, Lori Johnson, Linda Muranaka, Leila Johnson, Michelle Johnson and their families, in addition to many cherished family members, dear friends, former coworkers, and countless patients whose lives were forever touched by her compassion and generosity.

Mary Lou believed that the greatest treasures in life were the love we shared, the memories we created, and the difference we made in the lives of others. She lived those words every day.

On behalf of her family, we would like to thank Aspirus St. Luke’s Dr. Roberto Fernandez, Dr. Kelsey Shultz, Waterview Shores staff, Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospice Team- especially Ryan Fink, RN, for his authentic compassionate care. You all are difference makers!

As she wrote in one of her final journal entries:

“It’s not what you gather in life...it’s what you scatter that counts.” — Helen Walton

Mary Lou gathered beauty, laughter, traditions, and memories—not to keep them for herself, but to scatter joy to everyone around her. Every detail she noticed, every celebration she planned, every treasure she found, and every word of wisdom she shared was intentional. She gathered moments so they could become memories, gathered people so they could feel connected, and gathered love so it could continue long after she was gone.

She added to Walton’s quote by writing, “Leave love. Leave joy. Leave hope.”

And with the humility and grace that defined her, Mary Lou left one final message:

“Thank you for the privilege of your time.”

That is her legacy.