Noreen L. Johnson

Noreen passed away peacefully at home under hospice care after a series of medical challenges.

Her life was defined by remarkable achievements, leading her to become a trailblazing figure in the insurance industry at local, state, and national levels.

After earning her BA from Ohio University, Noreen worked in various positions from the Lung Association and Ohio EPA before joining Nationwide Insurance headquarters in the Marketing Department where she earned her CPCU designation in record time.

Looking for a creative outlet next, she became a master wool spinner, turning award-winning State Fair fleeces into sweaters and hats. During this time, she also served as President of the Ohio Journalism Society, overseeing the National Journalism Convention in Columbus.

Noreen was next recruited by the Ohio Insurance Institute (OII) and soon became its President—making her the first woman to lead such an organization in the United States. In this role, she championed vital seatbelt and airbag legislation and created Ohio’s Tornado Safety Week. Her safety brochures were credited with saving lives when a tornado struck Cardington, Ohio.

After pausing her career to raise her son, Noreen joined State Auto Insurance, rising to Executive Vice President and Director of Administration and Services. Tasked with managing the company's Y2K technology transition, she bought a yellow VW Beetle with the license plate "Y2K BUG" as a motivational goal.

In January 2000, she famously informed the Board of Directors that the only Y2K bug in the company was in the parking lot.

In retirement, Noreen channeled her dynamic energy into gardening, canning, travel, and cooking. She was a high-achieving presence who left a profound impact on her community, and she will be deeply missed by colleagues, friends, and family.

Per Noreen's wishes for simplicity, a private family memorial is planned. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her favorite causes:

The National Wildlife Federation

The Audubon Society

Defenders of Wildlife

Guide Dogs for the Blind

The Wilderness Society

And

Guiding Eyes for the Blind.

The family deeply thanks Echo Hospice and Cornerstone for their compassionate care.