Barbara Ann Johnson

Barbara Ann Johnson, age 82, died Sunday, October 27, 2019 in Warren, Michigan. She was born February 20, 1937 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Leodegar Graessle and the late Genevieve (nee: Walsh) Graessle.

Born and raised in Detroit, Barbara attended St. Martin School where she made many wonderful childhood friends, schoolmates with whom she would grow in stature and make special memories together. Barbara was enjoying life with all it had to offer,…and then a dashing young man by the name of James happened along that would change her world forever. A courtship ensued which turned to romance, which culminated in these two lovebirds sharing their vows to become husband & wife and beginning a whole new chapter in life together. Their magical day was November 7, 1959, and they were blessed to share nearly 46 years of marriage raising a family and growing deeper in love with each passing day. Mr. & Mrs. Johnson welcomed four beautiful children into their lives, 3 girls and 1 boy.

Along with tending to her family and home, Barbara worked outside of the house as well. Possessing incredible skills in the office arena, she held many various positions within that realm with her final appointment being with the Comerica Bank Corp in Auburn Hills. A longstanding and dedicated member of the workforce, Barbara decided to retire in 1997 so she could care for her husband whose health had taken a turn. She would ultimately spend the next 9 years attending to James’ care and needs, and fulfilling that “in sickness” part of the promises shared to be there for each other “in sickness and in health.” She truly taught many lessons of love in how she extended herself to James.

When she was able to find a little “me time” in her day, Barbara loved to exercise her brain with a challenging word search puzzle. Finding those words and reaching a resolve was always quite rewarding for Barb. She will also be remembered for her love of reading. When a bit of peacefulness and quiet came calling, it was often met with Barbara finding a cozy spot to crack open a good book and simply get lost in its pages as the story unfolded. It was a cherished pastime that she truly enjoyed. Still in the vein of seeking a sense of calm, Barbara found great enjoyment in listening to music and being swept away by some of her favorite songs and melodies. Music has a way of soothing the soul,…and nobody knew that better than Barbara.

Another favorite pastime of Barb’s was walking. She loved putting on her comfy shoes and heading out to get a bit of exercise while enjoying each gift life afforded her. Whether it was the scenery taken in or a visit with a friend along the way, Barbara’s walks were a wonderful combination of being fit & being friendly. And speaking of being friendly, Barbara was blessed with some very dear friends from her church as well. Along with being devout in her faith, many will reflect on that warm and inviting smile that radiated from her face like a ray of sunshine. It permeated your soul and ushered in a sense of warmth and acceptance that made you feel “at home.”

A loving wife, mother and grandmother, Barbara leaves behind a legacy of love for all to cherish who were blessed to know her. Her family meant the world to her,…especially her precious cherubs, her five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Each of them helped provide that little bit of “extra special” that was like the wind beneath her wings. Barbara touched a multitude of hearts and souls in her journey through life, none so much as her treasured family. She will be missed immensely and loved eternally.

She was the beloved wife of the late James. Dear mother of Cheryl (Jeff) Bennett, Debbie (Tony) Cavalli, Jackie (Paul) DesRosiers, and James (Michele) Johnson. Loving grandmother of Aleshia, Jessica, Gary, James, Nicholas and great-grandmother of 5. She was the special aunt of Sandy and Kimm. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, family member and friends.

Visitation for Barbara will be held Thursday, October 31st from 3-9 pm, with a 7:00 pm Rosary Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren. Her Funeral Service will take place on Friday, 11:30 am at the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to the Alzheimer’s Association - Greater Michigan Chapter, 25200 Telegraph Road, Ste. 100, Southfield, Michigan 48033...(www.alz.org)

Please share memories of Barbara at her guestbook below.