Johanna Arcay Shay, 44, of Texas and formerly of Colorado and Michigan died September 1, 2022, with her loving husband by her side, for better or worse, in sickness and in health. Many knew Johanna affectionately as “Jo” or “Honey”, a nickname that originated in her native Philippines.
Johanna took great pride in being a member of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the National Scleroderma Foundation where she found support and community. Most recently, Johanna proudly earned her Project Management Certificate, an accomplishment labored over many tireless nights. She contributed to organizations including the Denver Rescue Mission, St. Jude, Wounded Warrior Project and St. Thomas More Catholic Church.
Beyond her graciousness with time and money, Johanna curated a life centered on family. Always family. With her husband, she learned how to golf, enjoyed private lessons and sought the challenges of new courses on vacations. Together, they traveled the world, climbed mountains, and created a backyard ice-skating rink complete with stadium lights and a bountiful feast shared by countless family and friends. Johanna found incandescent joy in all of her nieces and nephews, the next loves of her life. She cherished her role as Godmother to four nieces and nephews. She hosted weekend sleepovers reserved for the children, gushed over each and every one of their accomplishments, nurtured their owies, and laughed at their antics.
Above all else, Johanna was a strong but gentle soul who deeply loved her family. Humble in nature, Johanna would want those that knew her to honor her in simple ways. Share a memory, hug a child, love, forgive and appreciate the simple beauty of life and good health.
Johanna is survived by the Love of her Life Christopher, mother Josefina (preceded by Gualberto), parents-in-law Jim and Marie, Grandma Lou (preceded by Don), brother Royce (Heather), sisters Gigi, Ann (Rodney), Lee (Casey), nieces Seattle, Alexia, Jessica, Gabby, Hailey, Layla, Ava, nephews Drew, Julius, Jacob, Aaron, Scott, Jackson, Taylor, brothers-in-law Jim Jr. (Lynn) and Mike (Amber), and many cousins, aunts, and uncles.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly encourages donations be made to the National Scleroderma Foundation Rocky Mountain Chapter. Donations will help advance medical research to find a cure, and provide support and education to those affected by this disease. Donations can be made online or by mail.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish Church, 5376 State Street, Saginaw, MI 48603. Visitation with family begins at 10 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. and fellowship thereafter.
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