Irene Johnson, widow of Rev. Edward Johnson, died on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. Irene was born over 100 years ago in Denver, Colorado, to Swedish immigrants, Ivar and Lillian Johnson. She was the fourth of six children. She took on the ministry of “helps” early in her life when her younger sister developed polio. Irene quickly became her mother’s helper regarding the many household duties. Her family was active in Denver First Covenant Church, where she met her future husband, Ed, in their confirmation class although they did not begin dating until after high school.
Ed and Irene married in 1947 during Ed’s final year at North Park Seminary and served together at Lily Lake Covenant Church in Lily Lake, Illinois. Initially, they felt called to missions and served the Covenant in Yakutat, Alaska. While they loved serving the Lord in the beauty and challenges of Alaska, they later returned to pastoral ministry stateside. In over 50 years of ministry, they served churches in Aurora, Nebraska; Galesburg, Illinois; Iron Mountain, Michigan; Los Angeles and Fresno, California; Kirkland, Washington; and Chicago, Illinois. During “retirement” they served as co-pastors at Bay Indies Covenant Church in Venice, Florida, and as chaplains at Covenant Village of Florda.
During their ministry, Irene always put others before herself without being asked and without complaining. As a wife, she was caring and selfless in her love for Ed, maintaining the home and as a true partner in his calling. She would play the piano, sing in choir, go with Ed for visitation, and help in any way she felt was needed at the church.
In 2000, they moved into Covenant Village of Florida where Irene was active in women’s ministry, women’s chorus, learning to play the organ, caring for new residents, and even learned Wii bowling. When Ed became ill, she became his caregiver in many skilled and selfless ways.
During her life, Irene always modeled her deep personal faith in her Lord, selfless care for others, and deep love for her family. She will be remembered for her contagious smile and laughter, her awesome, loving hugs, and a heart overflowing with gratitude for everything. Her celebration of life was held July 12, 2024, at Covenant Living of Florida.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ed; daughter, Marilyn Schaub; and grandson, Jimmy. She is survived and deeply loved by daughters Judy Johnson and Linnea Boaz (Bill), and beloved granddaughter Kelly Schaub.
Memorials may be directed to the Benevolence fund at Covenant Living of Florida.
Peace be to her memory.
