We are sad to announce that on August 28, 2024, we had to say goodbye to Lorna Mae Johnson, age 83, of Westland, Michigan. Though Lorna may no longer walk beside us, her memory will forever be enshrined in the fabric of the lives of those she touched,

Lorna was born on April 19, 1941, to James Denholm Laird and Helen Hall (nee MacDonald) Laird in Detroit, Michigan. Growing up in Detroit, she would often take the bus to explore the city. One of her favorite outings was to visit Belle Isle and the Zoo.

In 1959, Lorna graduated from Cooley High School and then began a job at a local hospital in supply management. On July 16, 1960, she married the love of her life, Arnold E. Johnson.

Lorna loved to bake. As a first generation American to Scottish parents, her signature baked good was scones (pronounced "Sc-ah-ns"). She loved baking cookies by the box load for the joy of gifting them to friends and family. She made about 20 varieties of Christmas cookies every year.

Lorna's love of animals was legendary in the neighborhood. She was compassionate for all living things.  Kids would bring her injured animals, mainly baby birds, for rehab. Her bullmastiffs were trained as therapy dogs and she would volunteer with Pet-a-Pet Club, visiting nursing homes, schools, and convalescent centers.

Lorna was a talented seamstress. She was the proud business owner of Fabribags and Concept Purses. All of her purses were washable with tons of inside pockets. Sewing was a lifelong creative outlet.

What made Lorna really glow were visits with friends and family. Her husband, Arnie, would always have a story to share and she would feed you. No one would leave her house hungry and you would always get a bag of snacks to take home (for later).

Lorna is survived by: daughter, Dr. Rebecca Johnson; sons, Gregory (Vicki Scroggins-Johnson), Gordon (Allison), and Jeff (Bonnie Eslinger); sister-in-law, Janet Johnson; beloved grandchildren, Benjamin, Lila, Elise (Matthew Walter), Sterling, and Nicole; great grandchildren; cousins; and many friends. Her passing was preceded by her husband, her parents, and her brother, Donald Laird.

Visitation Sunday 2 pm until the 6 pm Memory Sharing at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the memorials to Michigan Humane Society and Pet a Pet Club.