Marguerite Allayne Johnson

August 24, 1928 ~ October 4, 2025

Marguerite A. Johnson died reluctantly on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at the age of 97. Prior to her demise, she was heard to say, “I’ve had a good run.” The photograph is ancient, but much prettier than the driver’s license picture.

Marguerite was born on August 24, 1928 in Indianapolis, IN to Otto N. and Henrietta (Kuhn) Johnson. Two weeks later, Henrietta passed away and Marguerite was raised by her father’s brother and family, Syver and Millie Johnson and their daughters, Marion, Ruth, and Dorothy. In 1941, Marguerite’s father, Otto, married Enid Hammond.

Marguerite graduated from South Bend Central High School in January 1946 and went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from Kalamazoo College in 1950. She obtained her Master’s degree in Library Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1968.  Marguerite served with the United States Army as a civilian in the Special Service Division in Asia and Europe for a period of 10 years.

After attending graduate school, Marguerite worked for the East Albemarle Regional Library in North Caroline, the Speedway Public Library in Indiana, State Farm Insurance in South Bend, and Holy Cross Health System in South Bend.

Marguerite’s interests included traveling, gardening, photography, cooking, and continuing education. She travelled extensively in Europe, Asia, and the United States and volunteered at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and Indiana Legal Services.

Marguerite is preceded in death by her parents, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, as well as her enigmatic cat, Billie Jeanette.

She is survived by Barbara Taylor, Kathryn Busch, Cindy Busch, William Beghtel, Robert Beghtel, Sharon Clem, several cousins, and her special friend, Rebecca Ballentine.

In keeping with Marguerite’s wishes, cremation will take place with a private burial at Highland Cemetery at a later date. Palmer Funeral Homes-Welsheimer North Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

*Editor’s note: This obituary was written by Marguerite herself.

10/12/2025 djb

https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Marguerite-Johnson