Joann W. Johnson

Madison - Joann (Joan) Webb Johnson passed away March 27, 2009, at HospiceCare in Madison, born November 20, 1929 in Sparta Wisconsin to Stanley and Mildred Webb.   Shortly after her birth, they and her sister Beryl (Spencer) moved to Milwaukee and settled in Whitefish Bay. Growing up, Joann had fond memories of many travel adventures with her family. After high school she attended Stevens College in Missouri. In 2 years, she transferred to Carroll College finishing her education at Michigan State University in East Lansing, graduating in 4 years achieving her goal to obtain a variety of educational experiences.   Upon graduation, Joann began work with the Juvenile Court of Michigan, being one of the first to do so as the Michigan police had just opened the position to women.   This led to a career as a girl's probation officer and caseworker in Southern Oakland County, Michigan.   It was there that Joann met the love of her life and eternal dance partner, Norman Johnson.   They married and settled in Madison and had the opportunity to purchase Reid Bergh's independent insurance agency making it the Norman E. Johnson Agency, which together they successfully ran for 40 years.   Joann and Norman had 3 children, Cynthia (Jeff) Welch, Melanie (Bill) Metcalf and Scott (Virginia Greene) Johnson.   Her grandchildren are: Kelsey and Colleen Welch; Harrison, Jordan, and Max Metcalf; and Ginny and Olivia Johnson. The family owned an old cottage on Lake Mendota and spent many wonderful summers there.   Joann and Norman then built a beautiful home at the same location where their grandchildren built many treasured memories.   Joann was a tireless volunteer in Madison devoting her time to the Wisconsin State Mental Health Hospital, Meals on Wheels and transporting friends and patients to medical treatments.   She was a much loved and a long time member of Covenant Presbyterian Church as well as the Jaycee's, Metropolitan Women's Club, Harlequin Dance Club, Gyro Club, and served as Civics Club secretary for one term.   Joann was known to be a very generous person and gave her time and support to people and organizations that she loved.   The arts were one of Joann's passions.   She introduced her children to dance, music and art.   She and Norman filled their home with many purchases from the Art Fair on the Square. Everyone who knew her thought she had style.   Joann was also passionate about sports as long as it featured one of her children or grandchildren.  Joann joined her husband Norman in many adventures: boating, skiing, and traveling.   Joann even humored him when he bought and sailed an iceboat on Lake Mendota.   She will be remembered as a courageous, compassionate, strong and loving woman who will be missed by all who knew her.  She is preceded in death by her parents.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Joann's name to Giant Steps of IL, 8320 S. Madison St., Burr Ridge IL 60527, a school for autistic children where Joann's grandson Max is a student, OR Independent Living, Inc. (Meals on Wheels), 815 Forward Drive, Madison WI 53711.   A private memorial service for family only is being planned for April.