Anita C Johnson

Anita C. Johnson (nee Hazucha), 84, of Des Plaines passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 2, 2017. Born in Chicago to Stephen and Anna (nee Kostelny) Hazucha on August 12, 1932, Anita attended Prussing Elementary, Carl Schurz High School, and the American Conservatory of Music. An accomplished violinist, she had been a member of the Chicago Civic Orchestra and later the Northwest Symphony Orchestra. Anita married her husband, Robert Johnson, in 1956, and they attended Trinity Slovak Lutheran Church as members of the Zora Chorus. After moving to Des Plaines in 1959, they became members of Immanuel Lutheran Church. As active members of the church and Boy Scouting community, they established Pack and Troop 120. Anita became known as a skillful trainer for Northwest Suburban Council of the BSA, and she was the first woman in Northwest Suburban Council to be awarded the Silver Beaver Award. She was honored with the Lamb Award, a national recognition for Lutheran adults by the National Lutheran Association on Scouting. Anita also served as a staff member at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron NM. In addition to adoring her grandchildren, Anita loved her pets and all animals, gardening, needlework, quilting, and music. Anita was the dear Mom of Cathy (Sam) Hochberg, Eric (Marge) Johnson, Becky Johnson, and Robin (Michael) Virgilio. She was the devoted Grandma of Jorie, Kevin, and Maura Johnson; Haley Schonter; Jason Schmierer; and Taylor and Anthony Virgilio. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. A celebration of Anita’s life will be held on Friday, April 7, 2017 at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner St. (Northwest Highway/Route 14 at Rand Road), Des Plaines, beginning with visitation from 3 to 7 p.m., and memorial at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Orphans of the Storm (www.orphansofthestorm.org) will be appreciated.