Published February 7, 2020
MELROSE — Mary Louise (Buckley) Johnson, 79, died at the Kaplan Family Hospice House on February 3, 2020.
Mary Louise was born in Peabody on September 20, 1940 to the late Cornelius and Marguerite (McDermott) Buckley. She was raised in Melrose, graduated from St. Mary’s Grammar School, and St. Mary’s High School. She was a 1962 graduate of Salem State University and was extremely proud of following her mother into a teaching degree as well as being her daughter.
Mary Louise was a respected teacher and vice principal for over 48 years at St. Mary’s School in Melrose. A 70 year resident of Melrose she also enjoyed spending summers on Half Moon Lake in Alton, N.H. for over 50 years. Mrs. Johnson received several awards through her career but two stood out the most for her: Melrose Teacher of Excellence Award and the Christa McAuliffe Award “I Reach the Stars.”
She will be missed by a host of friends, colleagues and students that she taught and worked with throughout her 48 years career as a teacher and vice principal at St. Mary’s in Melrose. Mary Louise loved her frequent trips to Bermuda and Europe and she visited over 25 countries with her husband Carl right by her side.
She was the beloved wife of 54 years to Carl Johnson. Wonderful mother of Paul Johnson and his wife Jane of Melrose and North Conway and Maureen Johnson of Saugus. Cherished grandmother of Olivia, Sydney, Sophia and Ava. Also survived by many close co-workers and friends.
Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Friday, February 7 from 4-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Church, 9 Herbert St. Melrose on Saturday, February 8 at 10 a.m. Interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Salem. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Memorial contributions may be made in Mary Louise’s name to St. Mary’s School, 4 Myrtle St. Melrose, MA 02176. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com.