Joan A. Johnston
Obituary's Biography:
Joan A. Johnston, 90, a lifetime resident of McHenry, IL, passed away April 11, 2024, at Northwestern Medical Center in McHenry, IL. She was born October 31, 1933, in Milton, WI to George and Hazel Schmaling.
Joan, also lovingly known as Josie, is and will always be one-of-a-kind. She was a wonderful mother and best friend who radiated kindness, excellent advice, class, a profound sense of style and fashion and demonstrated generosity to all she knew and loved. Josie absolutely adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren, who brought her endless joy and happiness.
Josie had many notable talents to include being a beautiful singer and entertainer, an avid golfer, an amazing cook, spending endless hours crocheting her cherished blankets for family, being a great Baseball Mom and Grandmother, being an awesome Band Mom, collecting rare China and figurines, traveling abroad, winning those Penny slot machines and Bingo with a special wiggle of the nose and incredible luck! And last but never least, telling the best dirty jokes without fail. She had impeccable timing.
Joan is survived by her Children Scott (Donna) Thompson and Ann Rowley (Moore); Grandchildren Eric (Anisha) Thompson, Evan (Breezy) Scully, Cora Dollenmaier, and Connor Rowley; Great-Grandchildren Nora Thompson, Weston Thompson, Kilani Cirelli, Cooper Mays, and Asher Mays; Nieces Gloria Schmaling (husband Terry McMahon) and Cathi Glos (Schmaling); Nephews Michael (Lorie) Schmaling and Mark (Barb) Schmaling. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, her husband William (Bill) Johnston, her son Thomas (Tommy) Thompson, and her brothers Norman Schmaling, John Schmaling, and Robert Schmaling.
Josie, you are a true queen-of-hearts who will be honored and eternally loved. Thank you for all you have done for us. You are unforgettable. We will carry your memory in our hearts every day.
A Celebration of Life will be planned and announced shortly. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Foundation or the Epilepsy Foundation. All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030.
For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact 847-223-8122.
So sorry for your loss buddy. Your Mom was great and always had a smile whenever I saw her.
I was blessed to call Josie ,Mom,for 41years . The days before her leaving us for heaven ,Mom gave me smiles , the gift of time, and we did many of her favorite foot massages. Joann was an incredible grandmother to both my boys, Eric, and Evan. She never missed one single baseball game in both of my boys lives.. this incredible lady taught me so many amazing things. I was honored to be her daughter in law. , honored to have shared our families, and honored to know her as a friend to. We can all take comfort in knowing, Mom and Tommy are now together in heaven.. loving you always mom.
I am so blessed to have been a part of your life that we shared herbal hot tea and massages🪷
Thank you for the blessing of your wonderful family
In Jesus Name✝️
Amen 🙏
We shared, family and friends for so many years… Josie as I called her has been a blessing to me, in countless ways,a partner in singing, Crazy…We sang and talked Patsy Cline, went country western dancing,and beautiful times with our Grandchildren. Joan was my Maid Of Honor,and my fashion consultant!
She and I shared the Senior America Contest that Joan was a contestant in. Those memories of talent,and joy watching her up on stage! What a beautiful lady! We always shared wardrobes, make-up and merriment! I had the pleasure of being in her life,us sharing our children,and extended family!
I will carry you in my heart,as “Always” til we see each other again Josie…Love you girl.