Linda Lee Johnson

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Linda Lee Johnson

January 8 1950 ~ September 24, 2024

On September 24, 2024, Linda Lee Johnson, beloved sister, aunt, cousin, friend, passed away after an 18-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Her last days were spent with her many friends and her two brothers.  

Born to Louis and Jane Rishavy January 8, 1950, in Owatonna, Minnesota, Linda attended St. Mary’s Primary School and graduated from Marian High School. She attended St. Teresa College in Winona, Minnesota. and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in nursing. She then moved to Moline, Illinois, where she worked in cardiac care for 10 years. After working as a nurse at the Yellowstone National Park medical clinic for several summers, she moved to Salt Lake City.  She began working in cardiac care at LDS Hospital and eventually became a health care quality coordinator. She earned a Master of Arts to advance her career.

Linda joined the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Utah in 2010, taking over 80 classes right through summer 2024. In 2018, she volunteered to serve on the Osher Curriculum Committee and served as the committee’s chair over the past year.

Outside of work, being outdoors in nature was Linda’s happy place. She volunteered with Great Salt Lake Audubon and took on the public outreach position when it became available. Linda went on to join the GSLA Board, led a regular field trip and volunteered at many GSLA events. She also participated in various community science projects through Tracy Aviary.

A lifelong Catholic, Linda was a constant on the altar of St. Thomas More Catholic Church. She coordinated the lectors and served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion for many years. Linda took advantage of every opportunity to grow in and engage with her faith community. She was a true friend, always dependable, honest and stalwart in her convictions.

Special thanks to the compassionate care provided by Blair and London from Huntsman at Home as well as the many other healthcare professionals who helped Linda during her illness.

Linda is survived by her brothers Jim (Joy) Rishavy and John (Sandra) Rishavy. She is preceded in death by her mother and father. A funeral Mass was celebrated on September 27, 2024 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Cottonwood Heights.

Donations in Linda’s memory may be directed to Best Friends Animal Shelter, Greater Salt Lake Audubon, Utah Public Radio or pancreatic cancer research.