Marianne Johnson

Marianne Johnson, aged 97, passed away on August 25 at her home in Pacific Palisades. Marianne was surrounded by her loved ones at the time of passing.

Born on June 19, 1927, in Fresno, California. Preceded in death by her husband: The Honorable Thomas T. Johnson, Jr.; and brother: William Crumpacker.

She is survived by her brother: Jim Crumpacker; sons: William (Kristyn) Johnson, Blake Johnson; granddaughter: April Johnson; and grand-dog: Lurch Johnson.

Marianne was an iconic woman who paved her own way. Her brother Jim describes her as thoughtful yet decisive, and “someone who was destined to achieve a meaningful, successful life.”

Even as a child, Marianne was a voracious reader who showed signs of independent thought, intellectual excellence and curiosity for knowledge. She was among the top students in advanced classes at the esteemed Lowell High School in San Francisco. She ultimately graduated early, in 1944 at age 16 from Shasta Union High School in her hometown of Redding, California.

At 17, as a freshman at Chico State College, Marianne became an editor at the daily Chico Enterprise-Record newspaper. Upon transferring to Fresno State College’s journalism department, she took management positions at the twice-weekly collegiate newspaper.

Graduating in 1949, Marianne went to work for KMJ, Fresno radio station and was soon promoted to news director, becoming the first woman in the Western U.S. to fill such a position.

Marianne’s next stop became KFRC in San Francisco where she both managed the news department and became a contributing producer. KFRC remains on the air and still broadcasts in the Bay Area.

It was in San Francisco, at the Carlyle Hotel, where she met Tom Johnson, the love of her life. Marianne and Tom were married in 1953 and resided in the Berkeley for a short period of time before relocating to Tom’s hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, where her first son, Blake Johnson, was born. The family eventually settled in Pacific Palisades.

The couple enjoyed many life achievements, including two sons, a wide circle of friends, extensive global travel and Tom’s rising legal career. Tom was eventually elected to serve as presiding judge of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, County of Los Angeles. With her typical creativity and efficiency, Marianne managed the ceremonial and attendant duties involved with Tom’s career, and the family’s social and philanthropic responsibilities.

The couple were active members of the Riviera Tennis Club and Bel-Air Bay Club. Marianne was the “jock” of the family, playing competitive tennis and later paddle tennis, with her myriad of friends multiple days weekly.

When she wasn’t on the tennis court, Marianne could be found playing bridge with her close companions, which continued up until her passing. She would complete the New York Times crossword puzzle daily, finding the Los Angeles Times crossword to be “too easy” for her.

Her greatest joy was spending time socializing with her friends and family, including annual travel plans with her closest cohorts. Marianne also found time for charitable contributions, including performing weekly tours of Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, and organizing and participating in events at the medical center.

Marianne’s great legacy is her brilliant example of intellectual curiosity and her deep love of family and friends. Please visit and share your memories in our guest book at everloved.com/memorial/marianne-johnson.