Marlene Johnson

Nov 30, 1951 -

Jun 24, 2022

Lifelong Alaskan and Anchorage resident Marlene Johnson passed away unexpectedly from health problems on June 24, 2022, at age 70, at Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage. She will be remembered by all who knew her as a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and sister.

Marlene was never married.

Marlene was born on Nov. 30, 1951, in Anchorage, to the late James and Rose Johnson (formerly Goodlataw.) A proud Athasbascan Indian and educated woman, Marlene was passionate about serving Alaska Native communities and dedicated to environmental preservation. After earning her bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology from the University of Washington and University of Alaska. Marlene stayed in Alaska after graduating to work in human services to help people, especially Alaska Natives. Her multiple careers included serving as Director of the Clitheroe Treatment Center; Special Director of the Jesse Lee Home for Children; President of Chitina Native Corporation for many years; a Director at Ahtna Native Corporation; Special Director at Knik Native Corporation; grant writer, Director at Cook Inlet Native Association; and Executive Director of the Native Village of Eklutna for many years, and several other similar supervisory positions. She finally retired, at 69, because of ongoing health problems.

For entertainment Marlene enjoyed softball, bowling, reading, rock music, movies, mystery thrillers, watching movies, card games, nature viewing, bird watching and driving throughout Alaska with her loved ones, especially to her Village, Chitina, and her Homeland, the Copper River Valley. She deeply loved her Ahtna and Chitina Regional people and both of her sons, and represented her people in many ways. She was a very important woman in the Indian/Native community and was well-known and respected.

Marlene/Mom/Grandma/Great-grandma will be greatly missed by her family members, especially her two sons who were very close to her. Her family loved her unconditionally and are very proud of her numerous accomplishments. "We love you Mom!" - Shawn and Mathew

Marlene is survived by her sons and lives on through, Shawn Johnson and Mathew Horn; grandson, Kaleb Johnson; great-granddaughter, Piper Johnson; siblings, Jerry Johnson, Jeffery Johnson and Sharon Soule; niece, Erin Johnson; and nephews, Joel Johnson, Andy Soule, and Chris Soule. FaimaFili Taufi "Fee-Lee" was her roommate and family friend who helped Marlene daily at home when her health failed her.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at 1 p.m., to say goodbye to Marlene, at Legacy Funeral Homes Kehl's Chapel, 11621 Old Seward Highway in Anchorage.