Eva M. Johnson, age 77, a resident of Wheaton, passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025.  She was born July 4, 1947 in Tegernsee, Germany to Bertha & Joseph Smida.

Her family immigrated to the US in 1952, and Eva grew up on Chicago's west side, immersed in German and Bohemian culture.  She graduated from Morton West High School in 1965.

Eva attended Northern Illinois University to study Education, where she met the love of her life, Bill. Upon graduation, Eva was a 2nd and 3rd grade teacher from 1969-1974 at Columbus elementary school in Cicero.  Eva and Bill moved to Wheaton, IL in 1978.  After raising her children, Perry and Paul, she returned to education by being a reading aide at Perry and Paul's former school, Whittier Elementary, for 20 years. Eva was a strong and determined woman, beating breast cancer two times while being a young mother.

Retirement was spent enjoying activities from preschool to college with her very active grandchildren, Caitlin, Vivian, Nick and Mitchell, as well as enjoying the Florida sun in Fort Myers Beach.  She also loved her time spent with her many friends or reading a good book.

Her last great act of love was caring for Bill for 5 years through his battle with primary progressive aphasia. She dedicated all waking hours to learning about the disease, preparing for the future, and encouraging Bill throughout the way, never giving up on him through his death in 2023.

She is survived by her sons Perry (Kimberly) and Paul (Rebecca) and grandchildren Caitlin, Nicholas, Vivian and Mitchell as well as many nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Daniel the Prophet Church, 101 W Loop Rd, Wheaton, IL 60189, on Saturday, March 22nd at 11:30AM.  The celebration of Eva will be continued at Warren's Ale House, 51 Town Square, Wheaton, IL 60189 following the mass.

Memorial gifts may be made to support the Northwestern Medicine Mesulam Center through the PPA Research and Education Fund , or donate to your favorite charity.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.