Margaret 'Frances' Johnson

Margaret Frances Johnson, 89, died August 26, 2011 at Good Samaritans Marley House in Prescott. She was born May 3, 1922 in Berwyn (Chicago), Illinois the daughter of Wallace F. and Margaret (Lauritsen) Johnson.

Classical music was Frans life, beginning violin lessons when she was ten, Fran played in several orchestras in Chicago and Three Oaks, Michigan. She moved to Phoenix in 1964, when she was a violinist with the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra for several years, even after moving to Chino Valley in 1971.
In retirement, Fran played with the Yavapai College Orchestra and Prescott Strings. She was forced to give up playing after breaking a wrist in 2006. Fran taught numerous individuals to play violin or piano over the years. Teaching music and watching her pupils gain skill and confidence gave her great joy. Fran was a graduate of Andrews University, Niles, Michigan, and was certified to teach home economics in public schools in Michigan and Arizona.

Fran loved to sew, she also was an unrepentant punster. Fran is survived by her cousin Joyce Lauritsen of Bainbridge Island, WA, who loved her deeply and misses her greatly, and by many friends.

Gratitude and thanks to David Duncan, M.D. for his attentive and gentle care of Fran, to the fine nurses and aides at Yavapai Regional Medical Center, 4 West, and to Good Samaritans Marley House Hospice and Las Fuentes Care Center. You were all wonderful.