Margaret Johnson

Margaret “Peg” Dana Baldwin Johnson, 97, passed away January 8, 2018 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Peg was born February 29, 1920 in Grand Rapids to Ralph and Frances Baldwin. Preceding her in death were her husband, Carl Johnson Jr., her parents, and sisters Barbara Verdier, Carol Curlin and Mary Davies. Surviving are her sons, Jim (Julie), Jeff (Jan) and Chris (Cindy); also, six grandchildren: Mike, Johanna, Tim, David, Carrie and Mark; and five great-grandchildren.

Peg attended Grand Rapids Central High School and Grand Rapids Junior College, University of Miami-Ohio and Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. She worked as a graphic artist for the Chicago Tribune.

In September 1944, Carl and Peg were married in Grand Rapids. Peg was a wonderful wife, mother and homemaker. In 1981 Carl and Peg retired to Charlevoix, Michigan. She volunteered at Charlevoix Area Hospital, Charlevoix Garden Club, Crooked Tree Arts Council and Baldwin Foundation. She was an active member at First Congregational Church. Peg was a talented artist throughout her life. She had an exceptional gift for gardening and a passion for flowers.

Peg’s daughter-in-law and caretaker, Cindy Johnson, has shared a very special tribute. “She had wit, a positive outlook on life, grace and poise, kindness and genuine interest toward others, attention to detail and independence. She was an exceptional host and appreciated what she had and where it came from, although people were always most valuable to her. She played a good game of bridge, which she continued weekly even when it was mentally and physically challenging for her. She complimented everyone, and always made people feel welcome. She was young at heart and could relate comfortably with the young and old alike. She truly appreciated life and the people that surrounded her.

I miss our walks and talks, singing ‘Show Me the Way to Go Home’ at bedtime and the beautiful flowers that surrounded us. Her frequent comments spoke volumes about who she was; ‘I cannot stand an unmade bed unless I am in it,’ ‘The grass is so green and the sky is so blue,’ ‘I cannot complain, I am so fortunate.”

The family will hold a memorial service March 24, 2018 at 2:00pm. The service will be held in Charlevoix at First Congregational Church,101 State Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720

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