Mary Judith Shonquist Johnson, born to parents Elwin and Ann Shonquist on December 23, 1940, in Waterloo, Iowa, died April 14, 2020, Omaha, Nebraska. Remembered by her loving husband of 43 years Stephen R. Johnson, her brothers Shon (Dee)Shonquist, Tom (Karen)Shonquist, and sister Betty (Louie)Branz, her children, Kathleen Topf, Ann Howman, John Stahlnecker, Sue (Steve)Venteicher, and Jerry Paul Stahlnecker. her grandchildren Joshua Topf,Margaret Stahlnecker and Jake Stahlnecker, Magann Venteicher, Lexi Venteicher, Jordan Dwyer, Colten Venteicher, Hillary Watson, Dylan Venteicher, and Brooklynn Venteicher, and her 7 great grandchildren. Also survived by her very best friend Elaine Hatfield. Growing up in the Field Club area, she was a natural athlete who excelled at Ice skating and diving. When her children were young, she discovered her love of sewing while making her children’s clothes. She enjoyed coaching numerous swimming and diving teams during the summers of the late 60’s and 70’s. In 1973, while a single parent of 5 children, she graduated with a BSN from College of St Mary’s new accelerated nursing program. Armed with her degree, she spent the next 30+ years caring for thousands of ICU patients. Elegant and petite in stature, her heart of a lion spirit and professionalism earned her the nickname “Mother Mary” during her 29 years at Clarkson Hospital. A stylish wife, mother, homemaker, caregiver, and friend, she loved to cook and entertain. She could whip up a delicious meal for any Impromptu gathering. She followed in the footsteps of her late father, Omaha Restaurateur, “Ed” Shonquist, in hosting large family holidays. Over the last 17 years, she and her husband Stephen, spent their retirement years on a beautiful acreage in Arkansas, enjoying the beautiful nature and solitude. She cherished the summer vacations and visits by family and friends. During the last 1.5 years, she had battled back from numerous health challenges. She is now at peace. In reference to an Indian Moniker given to her many years ago “Small Package-Big Thunder”. She can rest now, knowing that Thunder reverberates through the family and friends she touched over the years. A celebration of Mary’s life will be scheduled at a later date.
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