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Mary Eleanor Johnson, 69, formerly of Newton, passed away suddenly after suffering a stroke on Jan. 2, 2012.
Eleanor was born in Newton and graduated Class of 1960. She taught special education in Iowa and Alaska schools.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Hazel Neasham, and her sister-in-law, Ileen Johnson Wolters.
She is survived by her five loving children, Carmen Tigges of Rochester, Mich., Quenten Johnson of Murray, Iowa, Klaressa Howery of Rochester, Mich., Celeste Downs of Asheville, N.C., and Harley Joe Johnson II of Creston, Iowa; eight grandchildren, David and Kyle Tigges, Zachary, Natalie and Brenten Johnson, Morgan and Rachel Howery and Chelsea Johnson; her sister, Esther (Roger) Beyer of Newton; a niece, Candace Beyer-DeGoey; and her nephews, Jeff Wolters and Kevin Wolters.
A gathering and memorial service for family and friends will be from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at the United Presbyterian Church, 209 N. Second Ave. E. in Newton. Her final resting place is Hillside Cemetery in Sheffield. Memorials made to Meals on Wheels of Iowa, 819 Fifth St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 are appreciated. Online condolences can be left for the family at lynchfuneraldirectors.com.