Marie Rose Johnson

Marie Rose Johnson, born Marie Rose Alhau, of Rancho Palos Verdes, passed away in peace Tuesday, June 4th, at Kaiser Hospital in Harbor City with her granddaughter, Julie by her side at the age of ninety-nine.

Marie was born May 29, 1914, to parents Frank and Adele Alhau in Los Angeles, California, whom also resided there after immigrating from France.
After her birth, the family moved to San Pedro where she attended Barton Hill Elementary and proudly serving in its first graduating class. Marie also attended and graduated from San Pedro High in 1934.

Her first job as a young woman was at the Barton Hill Theatre on Pacific Avenue where she worked as an usherette. That would not last for long, however.

Marie had a great passion for dance, and was quite accomplished. With her patient and encouraging manner, Marie truly enjoyed teaching children's dance class in her early twenties. She also served the community as a hairstylist, no doubt lending her timeless sense of style to her clientele (many of which included her grandchildren later on!).

Marie became Mrs. Otto H. Johnson in April of 1937. She also became a devoted mother to their two children, Adele Janna and Jack Howard. Marie faithfully cared for their young family and home while Otto served in WWII.

She rounded out her career at Bullock's Department store in the Fine Jewelry Department, working there for many years, finally retiring in her eighties.

Marie still remained active with daily two to three mile walks at the harbor, attending the Elks Lodge and the Senior Center dancing with friends. Also, there were a myriad of trips to the Casino where her notorious luck with the slots was renowned. Family was paramount to Marie and she, into her late eighties, still entertained large family gatherings for the holidays. She was a noted cook "famous" for her mashed potatoes, pie, crepes and roasts - with many recipes coming directly through her French heritage, which she was so proud of.

All who knew Marie were truly blessed to know a kind, generous soul, devoted to her family and countless friends and admirers. She gave others her highest regard, with unreserved transparency and generosity. Thank you to all who have so enriched her life, simply just by loving her and being a part of it.

Marie is survived by her son Jack and his wife Rose Johnson, along with eleven grandchildren - Jeff, James and wife Christine, Jon and wife Suzie, Scott and wife Jennifer, Jason, Jennifer, Julie and Sarah. She also has 14 great-grandchildren. Her husband Otto, of 53 years and daughter Adele Fornaro, predeceased her.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday, June 12th at 9am at Green Hills Memorial Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes.


Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275