Mary Quermann Johnson

Mary Quermann Johnson (Mary Q), 88, of Peoria, IL completed this part of life on August 10, 2026 next to her husband Richard T. Johnson at their home in Peoria. Mary and her twin sister Nancy were born with an incredible zeal for life on June 15, 1938, in St. Louis, MO to the late Herbert and Jane (Gradwohl) Quermann. In 1967 she married Dennis Hall. They shared a love of the outdoors and classical music, and had two children before divorcing and moving onto different life paths. Mary married Richard T. Johnson on June 6, 1988. They spent 38 happy years together in a marriage filled with love, laughter, and adventure. On their wedding day, Mary promised Richard that he would never be bored. Truer words have never been spoken! Mary loved education and was a lifelong learner. She graduated from William Woods College, received a Bachelors Degree from Drury University and was ultimately a Graduate Assistant at Wichita State University where she also received her Masters Degree in Women’s Studies. She was one of a kind, spreading love, wisdom, and sunshine wherever she went. Mary’s true passion was in the arts. She created paintings, stained glass panels, and all sorts of textiles. One of her favorite accomplishments was her line of designer purses that featured her hand dyed batik cloth bags with stained-glass clasps that were sold in the Wichita Art Museum. Mary and Richard moved from Wichita, Kansas to Peoria, Illinois in 1999, when Richard became Dean of Engineering at Bradley University. Mary quickly became involved, volunteering at the Peoria Public Library and the Lakeview Museum. Mary is survived by her husband, Richard; her children, Jenifer Leigh, Rebecca (Justin McInteer) Hall, Deborah (Evan) Lockridge, and Patricia (John) Moore; her grandchildren, Anna Leigh, Paula Leigh, Jules Leigh, and Capra Lockridge, her cousin; Dottie (Richard) Morrison, and her brother in-law; Robert Johnson. She is preceded by her parents; her sister, Nancy McKinley; her niece Karen; her nephew Mark; and her favorite aunt, Addine Erskine. In her final years, Mary's quality of life was greatly improved by an incredible roster of home care nurses who became part of the Johnson family. Their dedication and concern for Mary's well being made an immeasurable difference, providing not only attentive care but also kindness, warmth, and compassion when it was needed most. A Celebration of Mary’s Life will be held at a later date. Memories and condolences can be shared at Schmidt-Haller.com.

Mary Quermann Johnson

June 15, 1938 - August 10, 2026