Marilyn A. Johnson

Marilyn A. (Durkin) Johnson, 79, of Dover, passed away Thursday, October 6, 2016 at her home surrounded by loved ones after a period of declining health.

Marilyn was born June 27, 1937 to the late Hugh L. and Evelyn Marie (Ruckman) Durkin of Akron.

A 1955 graduate of Garfield High School, she worked as a bookkeeper supporting her beloved husband Jack W. Johnson while he continued his studies at Akron University.

Marilyn was a gifted homemaker and event planner, hosting memorable parties and get-togethers. Her family and friends fondly remember her quick wit, charm, and attention to detail.

Above all, Marilyn was an altruistic woman who spent the majority of her time caring for others without asking for recognition. Everyone who was fortunate enough to know her was humbled by her selflessness and endless capacity for giving.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her husband Jack W. Johnson, her sister-in-law Eileen Dougherty of Stowe, and her brother-in-law John Eagan of Ft. Wayne, IN.

She is survived by her children: Bryan (Joyce) Johnson of Sherrodsville and Leslie (Richard) Rectanus of Granger, IN; her grandchildren: Andrew (Kristin) Johnson, Lauren, Theodore (Kate), Cara, Daniel, and Meganne Rectanus; and her siblings: Thomas (Jan) Durkin of Carlise, PA, Joanne Eagan of Ft. Wayne, IN, and Hugh (Pat) Durkin of Akron.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 21, 2016 from 5 to 8pm, with a Christian wake service beginning at 7:45pm in the Geib Funeral Home in Dover. A memorial mass officiated by Father Jimmy Hatfield will be held on Saturday, October 22 at 11am in St Joseph Catholic Church in Dover. A luncheon will follow.

The family would like to thank Marilyn’s long-term caregiver, Lisa Jones of Sherrodsville, and Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County for their tireless devotion and care.

Contributions may be made in Marilyn’s memory to the Tuscarawas Humane Society, 1432 Tall Timber Rd NE, New Philadelphia OH 44663 http://www.tuschumanesociety.com/ or Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.