Mary Katherine Johnson

Mary Katherine Johnson, 93, of Michigan City, IN, passed away on Friday April 22, 2016 at LaPorte Hospital, LaPorte, IN. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sommerfeld Chapel in New Buffalo, MI.   Mary was born in New Albany, IN on September 30, 1922 to the late Clifford and Ruth (Borkenheim) Belch. She received her Bachelor of Chemistry degree from Indiana University. Mary was the first female hired at Socony-Vacuum Oil Co. (Exxon Mobil Oil), where she met her then future husband  and fellow chemist George Johnson. They were married on June 22, 1945 in New Albany, IN. Mary lived in Princeton, NJ from 1944-2000 when she moved to this area. She was a world-wide traveler and had a strong interest in archeology.   Mary is survived by her three grandchildren – Luke (Kelly) Johnson of Denver, CO, Matt (Erica) Johnson of Michigan City, IN and Elizabeth (Jon) Vaughn of Villa Park, IL; and great grandchildren – Ava, August, and Meredith Johnson and Alana and Olivia Vaughn. She is preceded in death by her husband – George Chrysler Johnson and two children – Susan Kay Johnson and Thomas George Johnson (former New Buffalo City Manager.)   A memorial service celebrating Mary’s life will be held at a later date. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com