Marlys Jean Johnson

Marlys Jean (Nadeau) Johnson was born on June 14, 1937, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Paul E. Nadeau and Evangeline (Van) Flynn. She grew up on the West Side of St. Paul, a diverse immigrant neighborhood known as the West Side Flats, where Irish, Jewish, and Mexican families built lives together despite challenging circumstances. This community, with its unpaved streets and polyglot population, would shape Marlys's lifelong commitment to serving diverse populations and underserved communities.

Marlys received her early education at Emmanuel Lutheran Grade School before attending Humboldt High School, where she graduated in 1955. Humboldt High School, founded in 1889 and serving the West Side community, provided Marlys with a solid foundation for her future studies. Following high school, she pursued nursing studies at Hamline University, taking great pride in her academic preparation for what would become a distinguished healthcare career.

Marlys embarked upon a remarkable nursing career that spanned several decades, specializing in public health and home health nursing. She served seniors, veterans, mothers, and children with dedication and compassion, working during a transformative period in American healthcare when community-based care was experiencing dramatic expansion. Her expertise in both institutional and home-based care positioned her at the forefront of nursing specialties that were revolutionizing how Americans received healthcare services.

Beyond her nursing credentials, Marlys distinguished herself as a dedicated La Leche League leader, supporting infants and their mothers in countless meaningful ways. During an era when breastfeeding rates had plummeted to historic lows and medical establishments often discouraged the practice, Marlys courageously advocated for mothers and babies. Her leadership with La Leche League in Michigan demonstrated her commitment to evidence-based maternal and infant health practices, combining her professional nursing expertise with volunteer advocacy.

At the heart of Marlys's life was her extraordinary marriage to her beloved husband Bob, whom she married on June 11, 1960. Their partnership, lasting nearly 66 years, became a testament to devotion, commitment, and enduring love. Together, they were blessed with five children: Mary (Steve) Kanner, Karen (Paul) Sonnenburg, Paul (Ann) Johnson, Ellen (Scott Forsythe) Johnson, and Jenna (John) Morris. Marlys often spoke of raising her children as one of her greatest accomplishments, balancing motherhood with her demanding nursing career during an era when working mothers faced significant challenges.

The family created cherished memories during summers at Love Lake, a 79-acre lake situated between Brainerd and Nisswa in Minnesota's beautiful lake country. These annual retreats provided opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and family bonding that Marlys treasured among her most precious memories. The tradition reflected the importance she placed on family connections and creating lasting experiences with her children.

Through her five children, Marlys became grandmother to eleven grandchildren: Marina, Austin, Ashley, Ryan, Joshua, Noah B., Ethan, Noah A., Mackinley, Ava, and Cameron. Her family further expanded to include ten great-grandchildren: Bobby, Logan, Emerson, Isabelle, Jameson, Quinn, Carter, Gavin, Marshall, and Levi. The loss of her grandson Zachary Trent Johnson, who passed away on December 16, 2022, at age 35, brought profound grief to Marlys during her final years.

Following her retirement from nursing, Marlys enjoyed a rich and varied life filled with activities that brought her joy. She and Bob traveled extensively, including annual trips to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and springtime visits to Florida with friends. They also enjoyed golfing together and cruising the St. Croix River on their boat, taking advantage of Minnesota's natural beauty for recreation and leisure. Closer to home, Marlys found pleasure in crafting and shopping at HomeGoods, pursuits that reflected her interest in creating a beautiful home environment.

Marlys cultivated a rich inner life centered on reading, nature appreciation, and spiritual practice. She loved to read, often losing herself in the pages of a good book. Her deep appreciation for nature, especially the beauty of flowers and the bright, cheerful presence of cardinals, reflected her attention to life's simple pleasures. She had to stop and greet every dog she passed and never missed the opportunity to kiss a baby's feet, revealing her warmth toward animals and affectionate nature with children. She treasured time with her cherished dog, Breeze, who preceded her in death.

Throughout her life, Marlys maintained a personal faith that provided solace and strength. She found comfort in quiet moments with God and prayer, grounding herself in spiritual practice that sustained her through life's joys and challenges. This spiritual dimension, rooted in her Lutheran education at Emmanuel Lutheran Grade School, remained an important aspect of her identity and values.

Marlys demonstrated considerable courage in confronting serious health challenges, including her experience as a breast cancer survivor. She became a dedicated participant in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure for many years, joining a community of survivors while advocating for breast cancer research and awareness. Her participation in these events reflected her commitment to helping others facing similar challenges and supporting medical research that could benefit future patients.

Marlys passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on March 29, 2026, at the age of 88. She was preceded in death by her parents Paul Nadeau and Evangeline (Van) Flynn, her grandson Zachary, and her beloved dog Breeze. She is survived by her loving husband Bob, her siblings Jerry Nadeau and Patty Flynn, her five children and their spouses, her eleven grandchildren, and her ten great-grandchildren. Her legacy lives on through her family and the countless individuals whose lives she touched through her nursing care, La Leche League leadership, and simple acts of kindness and generosity.