November 3, 1923 - May 25, 2013
Elaine M. Johnson, age 89, of Richfield, passed away unexpectedly on May 25, 2013, with her family at her side. Preceded in death by her daughter, Lynn. Survived by her beloved husband of 68 years, Ray; son, Mark ( Mary ) Johnson and daughter, Carolyn ( Altug ) Ipekei; grandchildren, Alia, Cullen, Makaira, Natalie and Anthony as well as many friends.
Elaine is, and will be, greatly missed among the dedicated group of water exercises at Southdale YMCA. Her happy smile, wry wit and can-do attitude made her a pleasure to be around, and for me to lead as an instructor. Additionally, she made a great impact during her years of government service for City of Richfield. She would joke with my husband, when he worked for City of Edina, that Edina should watch itself when dealing with Richfield because, after all, it was part of Richfield for about 50 years. At the same time, she was known as the go-to assistant to cut through the government red tape and activate people to accomplish a task; even for Edina.