Gloria Phyllis (Hansey) Johnson

Gloria Phyllis (Hansey) Johnson, 90, was reunited with her loving husband, Leo, on Sunday, September 22, 2019, with her daughters by her side. Gloria was born December 19, 1928, in Duluth, MN to Morris and Mildred (Lanches) Hansey. She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Leo Evar Johnson on October 25, 1947, in Evanston and never spent a day separated from each other in 71 ½ years until his passing on April 10, 2019. Gloria spent her entire life caring for, nurturing, loving, and raising their four children and being the best wife, mother, and nana to her family. She was the epitome of self-sacrifice, always putting her family first. They could always depend on her support in their lives whether it be in the role of a Brownie, Girl Scout, or Den Leader when her children were young, or chairing the fun fairs, being active in the PTA, or sitting in the front row during any one of her grandchildren’s after school activities or sporting events. Nothing gave her greater joy than being a mother and grandmother. Gloria enjoyed traveling and she and Leo were proud to have visited all 50 states during their long and beautiful life together. She also enjoyed her trips to the casino and a good, old-fashioned game of Bingo. She had a tender spot in her heart for animals, especially dogs, and was an advocate on their behalf by being a member of the ASPCA. She leaves to cherish these memories her son Thomas (Linda) Johnson of Forest Lakes, AZ; her daughters, Kathy (Bruce) Erickson, Sue (Dale) July, and Tammy (Greg) Poulisse, all of Rockford; her sister, Darlene Bagwell; her grandchildren, Zachary (Lara) Johnson, Cody (Rebecca) Johnson, Adam (Nicole) Johnson, all of Arizona, Christopher (Lori) Erickson, Jennifer (Erik) Pierson, Jeremy (Megan) Erickson, David (Valerie) July, Bryan (Renee) July, Jacob (Katrina) Poulisse, Daniel Poulisse, Nicholas Poulisse, and Matthew (Jessica) Poulisse, all of Rockford; her 17 great-grandchildren with the 18th arriving in November, and a great-great- grandchild due in December. Welcoming her in Heaven was her beloved husband, Leo, her parents, her sisters, Marjorie Howard, Margaret Heller, and Joyce Hansey, and her grandsons, Eric July, Chad Erickson, and Timothy Poulisse. The family would like to thank the loving nurses and the entire staff at River Bluff Nursing Home and Northern Illinois Hospice. Their kindness will never be forgotten.
A celebration of Gloria’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 30, 2019, at Riverside Community Church, 6816 N. Second St. Machesney Park with a visitation from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service. Burial will be private. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a memorial to be established. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com