Verna Piirainen Johnson passed away peacefully on May 22, a few weeks before her 96th birthday, in Evanston. Her life was filled with love, service and good humor. Her influence on her family and those who knew her will always be treasured.
Verna was born on June 25, 1922, in Almy, to Matti Oscar and Ida Salmela Piirainen. She was proud of her Finnish heritage and would be heard speaking Finn if she didn’t want you to know what she was saying.
Verna was the oldest of four children, and she is preceded in death by brothers John and Carl. Her younger brother, Wally (Betty) survives her.
Verna married Merrill Moffat Johnson in 1946, and that classic love story lasted 65 years before Merrill passed away Aug. 31, 2011. Together they had four sons: Philip (deceased) and his wife Marilyn, Paul (Sylvia), Steve ( Mary ), Ed ( Bonnie ) and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many others who were treated as family.
The family gives special thanks for all of the brief but loving care given by hospice and the doctors and nurses at Evanston Regional Hospital, and also to the members of the Evanston 5th Ward, many other extended family members and especially Uncle Wally and Aunt Betty for the countless hours of watching out for Mom.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday May 29, at Crandall Funeral Home in Evanston. Friends and family may visit from 10-11 a.m. that morning. Interment will be in Evanston City Cemetery.
Condolences may be made at www.crandallfhevanston.com.
