JoAnn Barbara Johnson

JoAnn Barbara Johnson (nee Passamani) passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023.

JoAnn was born in Bates Township, Mich., on July 8, 1939, to Robert and Norma (nee Knivilla) Passamani.

After graduation, she attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor before moving to Wisconsin, where she met her husband of 35 years Donald “Tony” Johnson.

They married in Menominee, Mich., on Oct. 6, 1962.

After the birth of their first child Chuck, they moved to Port Washington and had three daughters, Tracey, Lisa and Christina.

JoAnn enjoyed organizing and participating in many civic and charitable organizations such as St. Benedict the Moor Parish, the Port Washington Jaycettes, Friends of the Library, Christian Women, teaching CCD, Cub Scouts, Walk for Mankind, Junior Woman’s Club and volunteering and supporting the Channel 10 and 36 Friends.

She had a sense of adventure and a love for the arts, spending many weeks at The Clearing in Door County honing her knitting, wool dying/spinning, wood carving and watercolor skills. She enjoyed the Repertory Theater, was an avid reader, attended many art fairs and participated in the Spindle and Dyepot Guild.

JoAnn loved socializing with her friends, playing bridge, hosting the gourmet group and traveling the world.

Because JoAnn was a stay-at-home mom, her children have fond memories of traveling, gardening, canning, learning to cook, crossword puzzles, home baked goods and arts and crafts. She planned Johnson girls’ trips around Wisconsin and family outings to “The Nutcracker” and “The Christmas Carol” followed by a fine dining experience. Her family belonged to a multi-family camping group with people who became life-long friends, which was always a blast.

She looked forward every year to trips around the country with her siblings Bud, Sue and Diane and hitting many casinos on their way.

JoAnn is survived by her daughters Tracey (Tom) Sperber, Lisa (Lee) Kratzer and Christina (Scott) Bretl and son Chuck Johnson.

She is further survived by her seven grandchildren, Haley and Marcus (Marissa) Sperber, Dakota and Lily Kratzer, Aimee (Ethan McCullam) Bretl, Haley (Scott) Glidden and Kelsey (Cavin) Thomas, who will forever miss their Nonna; her siblings Bud Passamani, Sue Stilson and Diane Holmes; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Tony and her parents Robert and Norma.

The family will be celebrating her life in the spring of 2024.

In lieu of flowers, JoAnn has requested donations be made to St. Benedict the Moor Parish, 930 W. State St., Milwaukee, WI 53233.

Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, is honored to serve the Johnson family.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com