Jo Ann (Goodrich) Johnson

As a wife and mother, Jo Ann poured herself into her family. She raised three children, Jayne, Connie, and Duane, doing everything within her power to give them what they needed. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren also benefited greatly from her love. They carry precious memories, such as sailing, learning to drive a stick-shift jeep, jumping off bridges, and panning for gold. Jo Ann’s nurturing spirit extended well beyond her immediate family. Nieces, nephews, and extended family knew her as a steady, caring presence who also took an active, meaningful role in their lives.

At her core, Jo Ann was a connector of people. She possessed a rare and remarkable gift for making anyone in her presence feel completely at ease. She was easy to confide in, genuinely curious about others’ lives. The bonds she forged were not casual. They were profound and lasting, and those fortunate enough to receive her love felt in ways they would carry for the rest of their lives.

Jo Ann was known as a consummate host. Whether at home or camping at Aloha State Park, she had an instinct for hospitality. She was quick to offer food, drink, and a welcoming table. It was in those settings, surrounded by family and friends, that her gifts shone most brilliantly. She turned every gathering into something worth remembering.

She was a woman of remarkable capabilities. Jo Ann was a skilled mechanic, keeping the family cars running with her own two hands. She wielded a chainsaw with confidence, cutting and stacking firewood season after season. Her craftsmanship was evident in countless building projects she undertook at home and at camp. Jo Ann was an avid golfer. She loved sailing her Sunfish sailboat and was always ready to drive through unplowed roads to take her children and their friends skiing on a school snow day.

Jo Ann served many years as the Benton Township clerk while living in Cheboygan and as a valued staff member at Marquette General Hospital while living in Marquette. When she wasn’t working, Jo Ann and her husband traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad.

Jo Ann Johnson lived with intention, generosity, and an open heart. She made the world around her warmer, and the people in it better for having known her. She will be deeply and enduringly missed.

Jo Ann is survived by her husband, Wayne Johnson; daughters Jayne (Mark) Passeno and Connie (David) Senkin; son Duane (Jennifer) Wixson; stepchildren Kirsten (David) Wert and Ross Johnson; grandchildren Victoria Passeno, Charlie Senkin, Julia Wixson, and Jason Wixson; great-grandchildren Ethan Macleod and Milo Archer; sister Elizabeth Schaefer; and brother Carl Goodrich. Jo Ann was preceded in death by her brother, Roderick Goodrich, and grandson Alexander Passeno.

Cremation has taken place, and Jo Ann will be privately remembered and honored by her family and friends at a later date. Those who wish to express their sympathy may consider making a contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association.