Mary Ann Johns-Lasswell
Mary Ann Johns-Lasswell, of Zelienople and Bradenton, Fla., passed away peacefully Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at home, surrounded by her three daughters and two of her granddaughters.
Mary Ann Johns was born Feb. 24, 1941, to Nancy Galey and Kenneth Eugene Johns Sr. in Pittsburgh. She was the only girl in her family, with a brother on each side. Most of her extended family lived in Sewickley, creating a close-knit, loving community — her two grandmothers even lived across the street from each other.
Growing up in Sewickley, Mary Ann loved collecting dolls and watching all the little kids in the neighborhood, especially her brother, David, and playing sports. She played most of the girls’ sports available, but basketball and softball were her favorites. She played softball well into adulthood. Her daughters remember watching her pitch. She later coached girls’ softball, passing on her love of the game.
After graduating from Sewickley High School, she attended Slippery Rock College, where she earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education. She married her first husband, Mel, after meeting him at college. They had three daughters, Mary Elizabeth, Laura and Rebecca. Later, she would marry her second husband, Jack Lasswell, who she said was the love of her life.
Mary Ann was an active member of Calvin United Presbyterian Church for over 40 years. She taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, participated in Circle, helped with theater productions and went on the yearly camping trip to Pymatuning. Lifelong friends were made there. Being involved with her church was one of the most joyful parts of her life. One of the things she loved most was visiting older church members, especially those in nursing homes who could no longer attend services. She even had a special lunch group of older women called the Birthday Girls, whom she would often drive to appointments and help when needed.
One of her passions, which she discovered later in life through her husband, Jack, was reenacting. The French and Indian War at Fort Niagara was their favorite, but they also traveled to reenact the Civil and Revolutionary wars. They made many reenactment friends and loved being outdoors together.
Mary Ann was an incredibly creative person. She made holiday decorations for her kids growing up and would sew adorable clothes for her girls. She knitted Christmas stockings for everyone in her family, including her siblings and their families. For years, she participated in theater productions at the Red Barn Theater and Calvin Presbyterian.
In her final years, she moved to Florida to be closer to her middle daughter, Laura, who took excellent care of her. She loved being near the ocean and staying at Laura’s house every weekend to swim, hang out with the puppies and watch the Steelers games.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; and her two brothers, Kenneth Jr. and David (DJ) Johns. She leaves behind her three daughters, Mary Elizabeth (Brady), Laura (Lisa) and Rebecca (Rob); and her grandchildren, Erica, Galey, Noel and Vianna.
She will be dearly missed.
JOHNS-LASSWELL — Services for Mary Ann Johns-Lasswell, who died Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at Calvin United Presbyterian Church, Zelienople.
In lieu of flowers, we ask friends and family to donate to UPMC Children's Hospital.
Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.
