The Legacy of Shirley Johnson: Edmonds' Pioneer Spirit Lives On

The 1.4-acre property has apple trees and blackberry vines growing wild.

Shirley Johnson’s Gift: A Community United by the Seeds of Her Legacy

The Legacy of Shirley Johnson

In the heart of Edmonds, Washington, nestled among fruit trees and blackberry vines, Shirley Johnson led a quiet and solitary life in her vintage 1925 home on Bowdoin Way. Despite the aging state of her beloved residence, Shirley found solace and purpose in the pioneer-like surroundings of her one-acre property.

Tragically, Shirley passed away at the age of 83 in January, 2021, leaving behind a home that held decades of memories but lacked a direct heir to inherit it. Yet, Shirley had a unique vision for the future of her property, one that reflected her love for the community that had been her lifelong companion.

In 2018, recognizing the need to secure the fate of her cherished home, Shirley made a decision that would resonate through the generations to come. With no significant heirs to pass her property onto, she crafted a will that would bequeath her home to the very community she held dear.

City Councilmember Kristiana Johnson, a longtime neighbor with no familial relation to Shirley, recalls their interactions. “Shirley was a real character, but she knew what she wanted.” Shirley’s roots in Edmonds ran deep; she attended the old Edmonds High School, and her home, once adjacent to Kristiana’s, had witnessed the passage of time and the growth of the community.

Despite being an only child and having lost her mother, husband, and son before the turn of the century, Shirley’s commitment to her property remained unyielding. Living a life reminiscent of a bygone era, she foraged for mushrooms, apples, and berries, embracing the pioneer spirit that seemed woven into the very fabric of her being.

Shirley’s determination to preserve her property aligned with her desire to see it transformed into a community space. City Councilmember Johnson facilitated a meeting between Shirley and key city officials, including then-City Councilmember Tom Mesaros and Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Director Carrie Hite.

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Remarkably, this coincided with Hite’s contemplation of a community garden, an idea that resonated with Shirley’s vision. The 1925 home, with its original windows and a roof covered in moss, became a symbol not just of a bygone era but of Shirley’s resilience and her dream for a sustainable community space.

The draft ordinance to accept Shirley’s property is now in motion, with the City of Edmonds Parks and Public Works Committee reviewing it. The full council is expected to act on this proposal, turning Shirley Johnson’s dream into a reality that will continue to bloom and flourish for generations to come.

Mayor Andrea Horwath aptly captures Shirley’s essence, stating, “Margaret will be fondly remembered for her dedication, her energy, and her wisdom.” In a world that often rushes forward, Shirley’s legacy stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of community and the profound impact one individual’s vision can have on shaping the future.

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