Marilyn Johnson, PhD, a most intrepid and independent mother, grandmother, psychologist, musician, friend and colleague, left the physical world July 28, 2022 at the age of 89, but memories of her abound. Her daughter and dear friends were by her side, as Sondheim played in the background.
Born in Brookville, Pennsylvania in 1933, she was the daughter of Mabel Carr and Howard Johnson. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1977, and worked in the Dept. of Psychiatry, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, from 1957 to 1978. One of her proudest accomplishments was as a founding mother of the Philadelphia Feminist Therapy Collective. After leaving Philly, she was an Asst. Professor at Syracuse University before moving on to become the director of the Student Counseling Center at Rush University Medical Center, from 1979 to 2000. It was in this position she landed in Oak Park, which she dearly loved, and where she met a multitude of wonderful people who became close, lasting friends. Her move to Plymouth Place in LaGrange Park supplied another raft of amazing people and tight friendships, for which she was incredibly grateful.
She is survived by her daughter Pat, and granddaughter Alexandra, both of Connecticut, and her half-brother Craig, of Florida. A gathering to celebrate her will be at Plymouth Place at a date to be determined, and donations in her memory may be made to the International Rescue Committee, or to a place of your choice.
