Joann C. (Rosacker) Johnson

JoAnn (Rosacker) Johnson has officially left the building. And by “the building,” we mean this world—a world that she graced with humor, love, and an uncanny ability to know exactly when the milk in your fridge expired (even before you did).

Born on March 3, 1939, JoAnn lived 85 years filled with laughter, prayers, and a devotion to both her family and the EWTN network. She had a talent for watching over her grandchildren—both when they were in her care and long after they thought they were old enough not to be watched. No one could escape her keen eye for detail, whether it was a light left on, an oven that “might” still be warm, or a suspiciously dated can of soup lurking in the pantry.

JoAnn never met a piece of paper she didn’t think was worth going through nor a tissue that couldn’t be used just one more time. Her love was expressed in many ways: through her worrying, through her laughter, through the prayers she said daily for those she held dear. And if love alone could keep a person here forever, She would still be checking in and making sure you had your affairs in order.

She leaves behind three children, a multitude of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and an irreplaceable presence that will be felt in every expired can thrown out, every forgotten receipt rediscovered, and every lingering Velcro curler found tucked away in a drawer.

In her honor, take a moment today to double-check if the stove is off, say a prayer for your loved ones, and maybe—just maybe—give that old carton of milk one last suspicious sniff.

Grammie, you were loved beyond measure and will be missed beyond words. Rest easy, and don’t worry—we’ll make sure the lights are off.