Lorie Johnson

After ninety-six years of life, Lorie Johnson of Houston, TX passed away peacefully on November 30th. She was a beloved sister, mother, grandmother (“Momo”), and great-grandmother.

Born in Brenham, TX in 1926, Lorie was the daughter of Polish immigrants and a child of the Great Depression era.  She told colorful stories of picking cotton, killing chickens, and making do with apple crate furniture.  Her upbringing made her resourceful, strong in adversity, and appreciative of the simple things in life.  The sun on her face, dirt under her nails, a fishing pole in her hands, and sharing fried chicken or dumplings with family were some of her greatest pleasures.

Lorie’s life included two loves.  Wed in 1948 to Joseph Merecka, their 30+ years of marriage brought their four daughters into the world and were rooted in a home that they had built in Ella Lee Forest in Houston.  After Joe’s passing, Lorie found love again and married Philip Johnson in 1983. Until Philip’s passing in 2007, the couple spent time between Buffalo, TX and Houston.  They added a home to Joe’s Flatonia farm in the early 2000’s and enjoyed visits there.

Lorie’s four girls were the pride of her life and her house was always open to them and their families.  She welcomed unannounced visits, large family gatherings, and even offered a home to loved ones who needed a soft place to land during hard times.

In her last years of life, Lorie was lovingly cared for by daughter Patsy and, prior to that, by grandson Nathan, to whom the family is incredibly grateful.

Lorie was loyal, practical, unfiltered, and always…Lorie.  She will be greatly missed by her surviving family which includes sister Shirley Maeker, daughters Diana Matthews and husband Lee Matthews, Janice Pospisil and husband Alan Pospisil, Debbie Merecka, and Patsy DeVries. She also leaves behind grandchildren Michael Gallagher, Nathan Love, Bernie Gallagher Chance, Dustin DeVries, Alexander Merecka, Kevin Gallagher, Joseph Richard, and Sarah Richard Kinard, and their respective families including 11 great-grandchildren.  Lorie was preceded in death by husbands Joseph Merecka and Philip Johnson, and siblings Janie Rosner Zaleska, Faye Rosner Irby, and Steve Rosner.

Visitation for Lorie will begin at 9:00 AM on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Praha with a funeral mass as 10:00 AM, officiated by Father Gabriel Maison.  Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Praha following the mass.

An online memorial is located at www.smithfuneraltx.com. Share your thoughts and fond memories with Lorie’s family.

Smith Funeral Home – 128 East 5th Street, Flatonia, TX  78941        Phone #361-865-3311