Rose Mary Johnson Obituary (1940

Rose Mary Johnson, 85, of Normal, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 27, 2026, at The Loft Rehabilitation and Nursing of Normal. She was born on September 21, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York, to Collin and Florence (Matulis) Hall. On April 27, 1965, in Chicago, she married Kenneth Johnson, who preceded her in death. In 1975, Rose Mary and Kenneth embarked on an extraordinary adventure. Together, they built a sailboat—the Golden Fleece—with a concrete hull, launched it in Chillicothe, Illinois, and sailed down the Mississippi River to New Orleans, continuing on to Florida. There, they lived and worked for several years before ultimately returning to the Bloomington-Normal area. This journey reflected Rose Mary’s independent spirit, and sense of adventure. Rose Mary is survived by her nephew, Greg Frechette of Darlington, Wisconsin; her niece, Nicole Frechette of Darlington; a grand-niece, Kaelin Frechette; a grand-nephew, Michael Frechette of Darlington; and her dear friends Mary Beth Tobin and Beverly Grimme. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Irene Frechette. Cremation rites have been accorded. Burial of ashes will take place at Holy Rosary Cemetery in Darlington, Wisconsin on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Ruby’s Rescue & Retreat, NFP, McLean, Illinois. Online condolences may be left at www.carmodyflynn.com (http://www.carmodyflynn.com/).