Shrewsbury – Marilyn A. (Carey) Johnson, 89, longtime Shrewsbury resident and formerly of Holden, passed away peacefully on the morning of Aug. 21, 2021 at CareOne of Millbury. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Edward C. Johnson, in 2009.
Marilyn leaves her devoted son, Donald E. Johnson and his wife Lisa of Boylston; two adoring granddaughters, Laura A. Johnson of Murfreesboro, Tenn. and Bethanie C. Johnson of Boylston, of whom she was so proud; an aunt, Shirley Beliunas, of Worcester; and several nieces and nephews. Along with her husband, she was predeceased by her parents, Raymond F. Carey and Edith (Parker) Carey; her sister, Beverly Carey; and her identical twin sister, Carolyn Eaton.
Born, raised and educated in Holden, Marilyn was a 1950 graduate of the former Holden High School. In her younger years, she worked as the secretary for Heald Machine Company. She met her beloved Edward, and the two were married on October 21, 1960, settling in Shrewsbury to begin raising their family.
Marilyn became a wonderful homemaker and was a doting, loving mother to Donald. She loved hosting holidays at their home, inviting her family and friends to join in the festivities. Cooking and baking were talents of hers, and Marilyn enjoyed entertaining guests after attending Swedish dances at the Scandinavian Athletic Club Park in Shrewsbury. She also enjoyed sewing and gardening as well – she and Ed loved caring for their flowers, and always made sure their yard was picture-perfect! They had always dreamed of traveling to Sweden and finally made their dream come true in 1984. That was truly the trip of a lifetime for Ed and Marilyn.
Marilyn was a charter member of the former Christ Lutheran Church in West Boylston, and was a current member of Zion Lutheran Church in Worcester.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 41 Whitmarsh St., Worcester, MA 01606 and/or the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452 (www.alz.org/manh?set=1).
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the Johnson family on Thursday, Aug. 26, from 5-8 p.m., at the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main St., Shrewsbury. Her funeral service will be held on Friday, Aug. 27, at 11 a.m., at Zion Lutheran Church, 41 Whitmarsh St., Worcester, followed by burial in Mountain View Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside Ed.
