Margaret J. Horning 1929 – 2016
Margaret A. Nicholson Johnson Horning passed peacefully on March 31, 2016, following a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Margaret was born at home on July 7, 1929, in Inkster, Michigan to Archie D. and Margaret (Squire) Nicholson. She married E. Thomas Johnson in Wayne, Michigan on June 6, 1953 and he preceded her in death on April 1, 1972. They were the parents of Marsha (David) Chartrand of Manchester, Craig (Rose) Johnson of Saline, and Keith (Kyle) Johnson of Holden, ME. As a single mother, Margaret returned to the work force and was employed by the Union Savings Bank of Manchester for several years, retiring after she married Alton Horning on December 12, 1975. Alton preceded her in death on January 6, 1998.
Margaret’s strong faith sustained her throughout her lifetime and the many triumphs and tragedies she endured. Raised in St. John’s Episcopal Church in Westland, Michigan, she later attended Zion Lutheran Church in Chelsea, where she was honored for her extensive participation, and also St. John’s United Church of Christ at Rogers Corners.
For more than 40 years, Margaret was a loving caregiver for family members, neighbors, friends, and herself. She enjoyed living independently at her home on Pleasant Lake until 2010, and then made many friends while at The Pines in Chelsea. In December, 2013 she moved to The Gilbert Residence in Ypsilanti, where she was cared for in the Grace Hall Memory Care Unit with the same kindness and respect she had shown to so many others throughout her life.
In addition to her children: Marsha, Craig, and Keith and their spouses, Margaret is survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins; eight grandchildren: Alyssa (Noah) Cope, Arianne (Ben Sullivan) Chartrand, C. Nathanael Johnson, Kelsey Johnson, Ian (Shelby) Chartrand, Laura-Beth (Steffen) Handke, Sydni (Brian) Oliveto, and Stuart Chartrand; great-grandchildren Chase and Peyton Chartrand and Charlie Sullivan, expected in May; and Alton’s family: Earl (Diane) Horning and Neil (Janice) Horning, along with their children and grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Clinton United Church of Christ at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 29, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial tributes may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association c/o The Gilbert Residence, or to Relay For Life of Manchester, MI. Please sign Margaret’s guestbook at www.borekjennings.com or leave a message of comfort for the Horning family by calling 877-231-7900.