Marjorie Johnson, Famed Robbinsdale Blue-Ribbon Baker, Dies at 106

Marjorie Johnson, a Robbinsdale woman who gained fame for her baking skills and Minnesota humor, has died, her family announced Thursday.

Johnson was 106 years old.

The popular baker made many appearances on CCX News before eventually reaching national fame, becoming a regular guest on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” starting in 2007.

During her many appearances, Johnson wore a signature red dress. Her 4’8″ height but larger-than-life personality drew audiences in generating plenty of laughs.

Johnson celebrated her 104th birthday at the Minnesota State Fair with a scarecrow designed in her honor by Robbinsdale native Kate Richardson.

Before rising to baking fame, Johnson started reeling in Minnesota State Fair blue ribbons in the 1970s. Johnson went on to win thousands of contests. She continued to win ribbons after turning 100.

At her 100th birthday party, Johnson shared the secrets to her longevity.

“Never never think negatively. Always think positively. And then it’ll make you happy,” Johnson told CCX News at the time. “And if you exercise you’re just happy and you’re healthy.”

Johnson made exercise a part of her normal routine. She visited the New Hope YMCA three days a week to do cardio leading up to and into her centenarian years.

The New Hope YMCA threw Johnson an early 100th birthday party. Her personal trainer told CCX News her favorite thing to do was to use the treadmill and watch “Wheel of Fortune.”

The video clip below shows Marjorie Johnson honored at the Minnesota State Fair.

New Hope | Robbinsdale