Marlys Jean (Nadeau) Johnson, born June 14, 1937, in St. Paul, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on March 29, 2026. Marlys leaves behind a legacy of generosity, kindness, and enduring love.

Marlys was known for her altruistic spirit. She was thoughtful and kind, offering warmth in even the simplest of moments. Those who knew her will remember her as a gentle soul whose presence brought comfort and calm.

She grew up on the west side of St. Paul, attending Emmanuel Lutheran Grade School and Humboldt High School, where she graduated in 1955. She went on to study nursing at Hamline University and took great pride in her career, serving seniors, veterans, mothers, and children as both a public health and home health nurse. She was also a dedicated La Leche League leader, supporting infants and their mothers in countless meaningful ways.

At the heart of Marlys’s life was her remarkable nearly 66-year marriage to her beloved husband, Bob. They were married on June 11, 1960, and their enduring partnership was a testament to devotion, commitment, and love that stood the test of time.

Together, they were blessed with five beautiful children, who were her pride and joy. She often spoke of raising them as one of her greatest accomplishments. Summers spent at Love Lake with her young family were among her most cherished memories.

After her retirement, Marlys enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including traveling and golfing with Bob, crafting, and shopping at HomeGoods. She treasured time spent with her cherished dog, Breeze. Marlys and Bob also enjoyed cruising the St. Croix River on their boat, taking annual trips to Steamboat Springs, and many springtime visits to Florida with friends. She was a survivor of breast cancer and a dedicated participant in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure for many years.

Marlys found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved to read, often losing herself in the pages of a good book. She also had a deep appreciation for nature, especially the beauty of flowers and the bright, cheerful presence of cardinals, which never failed to make her smile. She had to stop and greet every dog she passed and never missed the opportunity to kiss a baby’s feet. She had a personal faith – finding solace in quiet moments with God and prayer.

She was preceded in death by her parents Paul Nadeau and Evangeline (Van) Flynn, her grandson Zachary, and her dog Breeze. She is survived by her loving husband Bob; her siblings Jerry Nadeau and Patty Flynn; her children Mary (Steve) Kanner, Karen (Paul) Sonnenburg, Paul (Ann) Johnson, Ellen (Scott Forsythe) Johnson, and Jenna (John) Morris; her grandchildren Marina, Austin, Ashley, Ryan, Joshua, Noah B., Ethan, Noah A., Mackinley, Ava and Cameron; her great-grandchildren Bobby, Logan, Emerson, Isabelle, Jameson, Quinn, Carter, Gavin, Marshall and Levi; and many friends, neighbors, and former coworkers.

Marlys will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her quirky humor, accepting nature, kind heart, and generous spirit will continue to live on in the memories of those she touched.

A celebration of Marlys’ life will be held at the Cremation Society of St. Paul, 1979 Old Hudson Rd., on Monday, April 6, with visitation starting at 10 and memorial service at 11. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and Healing Paws Rescue.