Mary A. Johns

Mary A. Johns, age 98, of Gaastra, MI, passed away Thursday, June 4, 2015 at Northstar Health System, Iron River, MI. She was born November 6, 1916 at Dunn Mine, MI, the daughter of the late Domenic and Maria (Caravita) Perlongo. She attended the Gaastra and Stambaugh Schools, graduating from Stambaugh High School with the Class of 1935. She married William Johns on September 19, 1936 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Gaastra, and the couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 1996. William preceded her in death on August 25, 1997. Mary was employed by the J.J. Newberry company prior to her marriage, and then worked for Selin’s until 1971. From 1971 to 1979, she was employed by American Motors until her retirement. She was a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church of Caspian and St. Ann’s Society, and former member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Gaastra. She enjoyed all types of handwork, flower gardening, and cooking. She was best known for her Italian cavatelli and garlic bread sticks. One of her favorite things was spending time with her family, especially Sunday dinners and coffee with “her girls”. Mary is survived by her son, William (Maureen) Johns Jr. of Saline, MI; daughter, Judith (James) Signorin of Gaastra; sisters, Jenny Viery of Virginia, and Stella Bray of Ann Arbor, MI; three grandchildren, Patti (Ted) Benson, Dana Johnson, and Dr. Terri Johns Stuenkel; seven great grandchildren; one great, great grandchild; nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Joseph, James, Herman, Nandino, and Domenic Perlongo, and sisters, Angeline Welch and Francis Dally. Visitation will be held Sunday, June 7, 2015 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 8, 2015 at 11 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church of Caspian, with Rev. Gregory Veneklase to offer the Mass of Christian Burial. The Ladies of St. Ann’s Society will form an Honor Guard at the service. Interment will be in Stambaugh Cemetery. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary A. Johns, please visit our flower store.