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Marie Johnson, a woman of boundless enthusiasm and energy, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2025, after a long and fulfilling life. Born prematurely July 26, 1942, during World War II to Leonard Charles Frederick Oakley and Doris May Woollen Oakley in Gloucester, England, Marie defied expectations from the start, demonstrating a feisty determination that would define her throughout her remarkable life.
Educated at the Hatherley girls school in Gloucester, Marie harbored a thirst for adventure. Her life was a testament to her motto: never shy away from a challenge, but embrace it with excitement. This philosophy led her to varied experiences across continents, residing in the UK, Spain and various locations across the United States. Throughout these travels, she raised her children and nurtured a large and loving extended family.
In the 1980s, Marie met and married Pride, the man she called the “love of my life;” her best friend, her safety, her touchstone, her everything. Their bond was a cornerstone of her happiness.
Marie possessed an astonishing array of skills, many self taught, reflecting her resourceful and adaptable nature. From cooking and ranching, to working as a nursing assistant, a preschool aide, housekeeper, and ultimately, a successful business owner, her creative thinking, resilience and intelligence served her well. She was most proud of her position as a department leader at the Sublette Center in Pinedale, Wyoming, where she found deep fulfillment in connecting with the residents, sharing stories and building a strong sense of community.
Marie’s legacy extends beyond her accomplishments; it lies in the warmth, kindness and unwavering spirit she shared with all who knew her. She leaves behind a family deeply saddened by her loss, but immensely grateful for the love and joy she brought into their lives.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Marie’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the ASPCA, her favorite charities.
An online celebration of life is planned for her birthday on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Register below.
Celebration Of Life
Recorded Saturday, July 26, 2025
Marie’s family invites you to view the virtual Celebration of Life Service & Reception to honor her life and legacy.
Thanks everyone for joining together today as a family on Mom’s Birthday. She is smiling ear to ear in heaven seeing us all together. That’s what she always hoped for is being around family and we all came together on her day of celebration! We miss all of you and we are sad to see Mom go …but she’s in a great place now..better than we can all imagine. We celebrate her time on earth and she ran the race with us all and completed her mission on this earth. She’s with God and that’s a great place to be. Love you all and Love you Mom…
I’m Marie’s cousin from Gloucester, England tho I moved to Copenhagen Denmark in 1976.
Thank you all for a very engaging online memorial event and for sharing personal insights into Maries life and legacy.
My wife Astrid and I were privileged to visit her in Wyoming in 1979, and still remember the amazing welcome, hospitality and real FUN we shared together.
Sincere condolences and best wishes to you all from us both
Stay in touch; we have a family tree to share on request.
(Sorry we couldn’t stay on for the reception, but we’re out in the Danish countryside and the internet connection couldn’t handle it) 😵💫
I first met Marie when Leslie graduated from the Citadel many years ago. We met after that whenever there was a family celebration in Puyallup. The last time was when the girls graduated from college and junior college and we all stayed in a wonderful B&B for almost a week. Many hours of visiting and story telling. It was great. We kept in touch with FB and texting after that. She was a very special lady and I was privileged to know her.
One of the BEST memorial services I have ever attended!!! Marie truly was a remarkable woman
Love and miss you, Marie
Hugs today on this special time to celebrate.
Sending love and prayers your way, The O’Reilly’s
I’m craving some of Mom’s apple pie!
Mom was such an artist. There wasn’t a craft she couldn’t master.
My name is Monte Ready and to me Marie was Grandma Marie.
She is both a part of and responsible for many of my most cherished childhood memories as I spent as much time as possible at her home.
Leslie, Paul and myself along with assorted other family members shared in many grand adventures over the years growing up together. Marie was always there looking after us with a watchful eye while at the same time allowing us the freedom to be kids. I can’t for the life of me ever remember Marie being mad at us although I’m quite certain we gave her plenty of cause to be.
Grandma Marie use to love to remind of a time when I was just starting to talk. At the time I couldn’t get the right words out to ask if the fried chicken she was making for dinner was ready, so instead I ran around the house saying chicken ready, chicken ready. This it was that I became her Chicken Ready boy.
One of my fondest memories is of watching her read the tea leaves especially when you got old enough to sit with her for a reading.
She was an amazing, kind, loving woman and will be both forever cherished and missed.
One of Mom’s favorite accomplishments from childhood was establishing the Tommy Steele Fan Club in Gloucester with her best friend, Sheila. They got quite the write up in the local papers with associated Gloucester fame. Kay (Sheila’s daughter) provided these fabulous clips and what I didn’t realize until now is Mom was only 14! Sadly, Sheila preceded Mom by three months—I can just picture the two with the rock and roll turned up loud and having a grand time now!
Sheila and Mom
Happy Times:)
Coyote Rock – Fun Times!
Family Christmas at Paul’s House:)
Yay! That was a very nice celebration, Lil Sis!
My name is Trinity Vanderhoof. My husband Eli and I worked for Pride and Marie at Coyote Rock.
They helped us get into a new trailer. We had dinner with them often or just go up to the house whenever. Their door was always open. TJ, their dog just loved my husband. He growled at everyone else but him lol.
I loved to hear Marie talk about growing up in the UK and talk about her childhood friends.
Marie was a great cook. I’d always bug her to make cookies or at Christmas, I loved her rum cake.
Marie was kind and loving and forgiving.
We often said we needed to go visit them after they moved to Nevada but never got the opportunity to travel, as my health was bad.
She will be sorely missed.
Condolences to the family and to Pride Johnson.
Thanks for the memories, Trinity. Mom adored you!
My name is Katie Durant and my parents would leave California every summer and camp at Coyote Rock RV and that is how I met Marie. After my parents both passed away I kept in contact with Marie a few times and we even met for lunch once. My heart is heavy and I’m so sorry for Pride and her whole family. Thank you for offering this service online. May you find comfort in the Lord through this difficult time. ❤️💔❤️
We appreciate the blessings, Katie. See you at the service.
So sorry for your loss. My husband and Pride worked together on the Wyoming Highway Patrol. Marie was such a vibrant personality. We shared many a laugh together.
Laughing was what Mom did best, Christine, and vibrant is the perfect word for her.
I live in UK my name is Diane (Jill) walters, Marie and I grew up together, we were great friends, as Marie’s and my Mum’s and Dad’s were friends, we used to go to Marie’s home and dress up and do what we thought were shows to do for our parents!!! As we got older unfortunately we lost contact as Marie moved to USA!! But in recent years we got in touch again with each other through another of our friends from growing up Sheila Petrie so we used to message each other about the good old times growing up!!! I’m so sorry for you all and for all your loss!!! Much love Jill walters!! Xxxx
Loved hearing about your experiences with Mom! Hope to see you at the celebration.