Mary Ellen Johnson

Mary Ellen “Mimi” Johnson (Schaller), age 76, of Erie, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 19, 2025 with her loving husband of 54 years, Ron, at her side.

A graduate of Mercyhurst High School in 1967, she pursued a career in healthcare, completing her training as a Registered Technologist X-Ray Technology in 1970. She worked as an X-Ray Technician, bringing comfort to countless patients with her steady hands and calming presence. However, her greatest joy came when she became a mother, choosing to step back from her career to care for her children.

As a stay-at-home mom, she poured her heart into raising her sons. She was deeply involved in volunteering at Our Lady’s Christian School, where her children attended, always eager to lend a hand wherever it was needed. Her compassion extended beyond the school, as she also devoted time to Shriners Children’s Hospital, offering her support and love to families in need.

When her children reached high school, she returned to work at a local medical office, but her kindness and generosity continued to touch the lives of everyone she met. She enjoyed boating on lake Erie and was particularly fond of spending time at Presque Isle State Park where she was a founding member and board member of the Presque Isle Marina Association (PIMA). She also enjoyed traveling by RV, having visited over 20 states and, for the last 10 years, spending winters in Florida.

Mary Ellen is preceded in death by her parents, Louis V. Schaller and Genevieve Schaller (Bolt) as well as aunts, uncles and cousins. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Ronald D. Johnson of Erie; son Bryan Johnson (and wife Sara) of Cary, NC, son Eric Johnson (and wife Mary Ann) of Holly Springs, NC; as well as grandchildren Leah, Abigail, Daniel and Megan; cousins and dear friends. Mary Ellen leaves behind a legacy of love and selflessness. She was a devoted wife and mother, a loving grandmother, and a cherished friend to all who knew her. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of her family and all those whose lives she touched. A small celebration of life will be held for family and friends at a later date. If desired, memorial contributions can be made to: 

St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate/

The Salvation Army of Western PA, https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/western-pennsylvania/ways-to-give/

Erie Humane Society, https://www.eriehumanesociety.org/donate