Elissa "Elli" Johnsen Obituary

Elissa “Elli” Johnsen passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the age of 46. Her loss is deeply felt by those who knew and loved her.

Born in Lansing, Michigan on June 20, 1979, to David and Mary Ann (Smallwood) Armstrong, Elli was a source of warmth and joy from the start. She graduated from Lisle High School and went on to Marquette University, where she majored in communications with a minor in public relations. She spent a semester studying abroad at Oxford University which sparked her love of travel. 

After moving to Chicago, she met the love of her life, Gary Johnsen, and they married in 2007. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter, and devotion to their two sons. 

Elli began her career in public relations, eventually focusing on healthcare communications. She was the senior director of global communications at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, representing the company around the world. Later, she transitioned to freelance consulting, allowing her more time for family and to pursue other passions-including earning her yoga certifications and teaching at Core Power Yoga. 

Above all else, Elli was a devoted mother to Derek and Reed and took great pride in being a boy mom. She immersed herself in the boys’ activities as well as investing her time and talents in the community. A breast cancer survivor, she used her strength and compassion to support others-volunteering with Have Dreams autism services, organizing charity events, walking countless miles for breast cancer awareness, and mentoring other young survivors. She served in leadership roles for the All-Abilities Committee and PTO Board at Washington Elementary School, was active on the Park Ridge Hawks Lacrosse Board, and brought inspiration and direction to the causes and people she cherished most.

Elli is survived by her husband, Gary, and their 2 sons, Derek (13) and Reed (8) of Park Ridge, IL; her mother, Mary Ann Armstrong, also of Park Ridge; her brother Spencer (Melissa) Armstrong of Gainesville, FL; and nieces and nephews Claire, Emily, Brooke, and Zach Johnsen; Zoë Armstrong; and Carter and Hailey Cumblad. She was preceded in death by her father David Armstrong. 

Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 4:00 – 8:00pm at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home, 7812 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Niles, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Elli’s honor to Have Dreams, Autism Speaks or Susan G. Komen Foundation.