Sandra Rae Johnson

July 18, 1944 - April 30, 2022

Johnson, Sandra Rae. Born on July 18th, 1944; passed away on April 30th, 2022. Born in Glenwood, MN, raised in Mankato, MN, and residing in Brooklyn Park, Ramsey, and summering in International Falls, MN on Rainy Lake. Preceded in death by mother, Audrey Thorson and son Bradley. Survived by husband Dennis, son and daughter-in-law Jay and Cheryl; grandsons Zachary and Luke, and other cousins and relatives, including Terri Solano. Memorial Service to be held at Washburn McReavy 1827 Coon Rapids Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433 at 11:00AM on Friday, May 20th. Visitation gathering one hour prior. Memorials preferred to North Memorial Health Hospice. Sandra "Sandy" Johnson was born on July 18th, 1944 in Glenwood, MN. Early on in her childhood, her mother, Audrey, moved the family to Mankato, MN where Sandy spent her most formative childhood years. During high school, Sandy met Denny Johnson who came to be her life-long partner and husband for over 59 years. Not long after Sandy graduated, the two wed on March 9th, 1963. On the night of their wedding, Sandy and Denny packed up and began their life together in the Twin Cities. The two immediately started a family with Jay and Brad being born before the decade concluded. While raising their family, Sandy and Denny established a residence in Brooklyn Park, MN where the boys would grow up and Sandy became known as the "neighborhood mom" to children and dogs alike. In addition to her strong presence in the neighborhood, Sandy began hosting dinner parties for friends and Denny's clients more frequently; she was an exemplary host. Everyone knew a good time was going to be had if Sandy was hosting a soirée. One reason Sandy's gatherings had such success was her extreme talent in the kitchen; Sandy was a commendable chef. Anyone who had the privilege of having a meal cooked by Sandy can attest to this. She was a culinary expert who was always trying to improve and hone her craft. The multitude of recipe books in her kitchen will remain a testament to a skill which was truly unparalleled: cooking. Outside of the kitchen, Sandy lacked no ability in card games, skiing, bowling, and golf. While raising her family, Sandy and Denny belonged to multiple bowling leagues where they would expand their circle of friends. Both a hobby with family and friends, Sandy was an absolute card shark. The amount of card games Sandy knew and exceled at was remarkable. Over the years, card playing became an activity done in between the stages of cooking, with Sandy winning more often than not, even while multitasking. Both Sandy and Denny also took many trips to Michigan with family and friends to ski. Another hobby which cannot go unmentioned is golf. Sandy thoroughly enjoyed the sport and, to no one's surprise, became a skilled golfer. To summarize her aptitude in golf can be done by sharing her not one, not two, but three hole-in-one golf shots. No story of Sandy can be complete without mention of one of her favorite places on Earth - the houseboat, affectionately named "The Perfect 10." Expanding more than 39 years in International Falls, MN, Sandy and Denny became locals of the small northern town. They both entertained friends and family during the innumerable trips taken up to Rainy Lake. Even parked on an island in the middle of the Minnesota/Canadian border, Sandy would cook five-star meals and play card games with anyone who was willing. The houseboat was her oasis. Throughout her life, Sandy always put family first. Her sons were her pride and joy, then later her grandsons became the light of her life, and finally followed by a couple "grand-dogs." Matriarch does not seem a grand enough word to describe the woman who fed, loved, supported, and carried her family for all her years. To all of us who knew her, she was truly someone special. Sandy - wife, mother, and grandmother - you will never know how much you are already missed; give Brad a hug for us and we will meet you both at the lake. Denny, Jay, Cheryl, Zach & Luke