Marilyn Mae 'Billie' Johnson, 89

Marilyn Mae “Billie” (Berger) Johnson, 89, of Kalispell, died peacefully Tuesday, April 7, 2015, at the home of her daughter, of age-related causes. Her children Colleen and Patrick were at her side.

She was born in Seattle on May 24, 1925, to Arthur B. and Florence L. Berger. She graduated from Saint George and Cleveland High in Seattle, and went on to beauty school in Seattle. She wanted to join the service but here family discouraged her.

Marilyn’s family owned and operated a room and boarding house in Georgetown in Seattle. They has 13 boarders who had breakfast, lunch and dinners, with daily room service. Marilyn, a young girl then, took care of the rooms and prepared all the lunches, while her sister Eve worked the restaurant with Florence, their mother. The Bergers learned how to work hard and take pride in each and every task — a trait that followed by the girls.

Marilyn lived and worked in Seattle for several years where she met and married her husband, Jack Leo Cleary. They had three children and divorced. Marilyn remarried, had one son, and in 1959 met and married Mr. Hilding “Swede” Johnson — finally a working, stable, committed relationship, and a wonderful companion, friend and father to the children. They were married 35 years.

Later in life, Marilyn worked and retired from the hotel and restaurant industry. In Seattle she worked at the Tacoma Dome Hotel and other major hotels as head supervisor of the laundry department, accountable for every detail. She retired after 17 years to take care of her husband who was ill.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson began coming to Kalispell when their daughter moved to Lakeside with her husband in 1990. Alone now, after losing Mr. Johnson in 1994, Marilyn moved to Lakeside where she lived for five years. Later, her sister Evelyn decided to join the family. Marilyn and Evelyn moved to Kalispell — a new journey.

Marilyn was a 20-year friend of Bill W. and had many friends associated with him, including Sue N. and many more.

She loved animals all her life and she always had a dog. She missed her furry little friends, although they weren’t always little. I can still remember from kindergarten, Biff, our Great Dane.

Marilyn was level-headed, direct, and it seems now she was right about so many things. I always said Mom reminded me of Lucille Ball. She was funny and smart and could always make you laugh. But I also saw a little bit of Phyllis Diller! What a mom — she was the greatest!

Her life, like all lives, was filled with challenges, but she always managed to give it all she had; she never quit! She was quiet and shy, but once she knew she was in good company, her endearing ways would surface.

Marilyn had four children, including Michael Shane Cleary who died in 2007, and Richard Glenn who also died in 2007.

She is survived by her son, Patrick Cleary, of Palmer, Alaska; daughter, Colleen McGillis, of Lakeside; seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

At the end, hospice joined our family, and made us part of theirs. The care givers were so sensitive and so professional — our “angels with wings.” Our family thanks you, each of you, and sends blessings. May God bless you all!

Private services were held in Seattle.

Marilyn will be missed by many friends and loved forever.