Christine Johnson Obituary

Christine L Johnson of Missoula, formerly of Hamilton, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2023 at the age of 87 She was born June 21st, 1936 in Denver, CO to Herbert and Jean Erickson and raised in Seattle, WA Christine was an excellent student placing in the top ten of her High School graduating class of 700 In High School she studied piano and was involved in many school organizations She attended Lewis and Clark College then went to Montana State in Bozeman where she again placed in the top ten people of her graduating class At Montana State she was a member of the synchronized swim team of which she lettered She met and married Loren Johnson in 1956 and they lived in Bozeman to finish school then moved to Hamilton where Loren taught High School They raised sons Dan, Dave and Craig Chris took on a career as a writer for 'The Missoulian' and various magazines including national publications such as 'Ladies Home Journal' In her fifties she got her Master's degree in Journalism from the University of Montana in Missoula After Loren retired, they embarked on a new life adventure by moving to Guam and living for three years Chris continued her career writing for magazines in Guam while Loren taught at a middle school Together they explored little islands and countries throughout the Pacific and had many adventures including riding elephants through the jungle, letting them drape a nine foot snake around her neck, eating fruit bat and staying in a grass hut on a black sand topless beach Together they enjoyed square dancing in Hamilton and in Guam Loren passed unexpectedly in 1994 Chris tackled the next phase in her life by exploring new interests such as cross country skiing and mountain hiking Music was always part of her life as she always practiced piano working on classical pieces and standards She also sang in choir Then she studied organ and played in church She met and married Lynn McAdams and moved to Missoula with him Together they continued outdoor activities including canoeing, camping and fishing until Lynn's passing One of her regular self-challenges was to hike to the 'M' on Mount Sentinel in Missoula She is preceded in death by parents, Herbert and Jean Erickson, brother Douglas, husbands Loren Johnson and Lynn McAdams She is survived by her brother David Erickson (Jeanne), sister-in-law Fern Erickson, sons Dan (Robin), Dave, Craig (Juhienah), seven grandkids and three great-grandkids A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 18 at 11:00 at Riverview cemetery in Hamilton A celebration of life will be held afterward To to the family or in memory of Christine Louise Johnson, please