Anna Antonia Muraglia

Anna Antonia Muraglia—known to nearly everyone who loved her as “Dolly” - of Canton, Georgia, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the evening of Thursday, August 20, at the age of 86. The date was especially meaningful to Anna, as it was also the birthday of her late mother, Palma.

Anna was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 1939, in Orange, New Jersey - the youngest of seven children born to Giuseppe and Palma Muraglia - siblings Anna Maria, Giovanni (John), Vitantonio (Vito), Oronzo (Ron), Pierina, and Vincenzo (Vinny). Her older siblings affectionately gave her the nickname “Dolly” when she was born because she looked like a babydoll - a name that fit her so well it stayed with her for life. Her parents were Italian immigrants from the Puglia region who came to America through Ellis Island. Her father joined the US Army and fought in WWI, earning him a US Citizenship. Her mother immigrated under a green card but kept Italian citizenship. Anna carried that Italian-American heritage proudly, joyfully, and often deliciously, making many trips back to Italy over the years to visit extended family, most recently in May 2025.

As a child, she attended Mt. Carmel Catholic Church and School and took dance lessons for several years. Her love of dancing was passed on to the next generations of her family. At 18, Anna met a tall and handsome blue-eyed gentleman, Donald Johnson, and fell in love at first sight. They married in 1958 and together welcomed three beautiful daughters - Debbie, Donna, and Denise - who remained the pride and joy of her life until her final breath. Anna and Don raised their girls in West Orange, New Jersey, alongside a lively crew of cousins, before relocating to South Florida in the early-1970s.

Anna was bold, hard-working, and wonderfully ahead of her time. As a young mother, she worked for many years as a meat wrapper to help support her family, later building a long career as a co-owner for a decorative concrete surfacing company. In her next chapter, she spent over a decade in Las Vegas with her daughter Denise and brother Vinny, working as an office manager, before making one final move to Georgia in 2014 to be close to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Anna proudly and unapologetically declared that being a grandma was her favorite role in life—and she played the part with style. She was famous for being the hip, energetic, tech-savvy grandma who could keep up with everyone and often outdo them in ping pong or social media. She loved deeply, celebrated generously, and found a reason to make every holiday feel special for every person fortunate enough to be in her orbit. In her free time, Anna poured affection into caring for her beloved birds and dogs, and she loved crafting, especially for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her handmade creations, like so many pieces of her fun-loving spirit, will be treasured for years to come. Anna is survived by her brother Vinny Muraglia, her daughters Debbie (John) Pas, Donna Colmant and Denise Johnson, her 5 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 19th - Visitation at 11 a.m., followed by a Memorial Service at noon at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home in Kennesaw, Georgia.

Service flowers can be sent to the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider directing memorial gifts to: Cherokee County Animal Shelter - http://www.cherokeega-animals.org, or Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Society - https://www.komen.org.