F. Joan Johnson

F. Joan Johnson departed this world Sunday, February 18th, to once again be with her loving husband of 66 years, Richard whom she had buried only 5 weeks previously. One daughter commented, “It is sweet to imagine them dancing together again, as they loved to do for so many years.” Born, August 13, 1931, in Danville, West Virginia, Joan had the strength, determination and perseverance that defined the women of her generation. She graduated Cardome Academy of Covington, Kentucky, in 1949, returned to her parents’ home in Muncie, IN, and married Richard on September 29th, 1951. Over the years, Joan embraced the mentoring of many and passed her gifts on to her family, friends, church and community. Devoted to marriage and motherhood, she raised her own 10 children and opened her heart and home to fostering newborns. Her energy was endless and her talents and passions were many: gardening, roses, cooking, baking, sewing, faith, finances and forever helping the hungry, needy and lonely in whatever way God prompted. Her unwavering commitment to all she believed and valued, encouraged those who knew her to grow in strength and character. While her ‘volunteer’ efforts were invaluable, she also worked for the Fort Wayne Juvenile Probation Department and Stat Care. Because her family was her greatest pride and joy, she would share the numbers and details readily and often. She is survived by her three sons, and seven daughters: Mel (Sandy) Johnson of Royal Oak, MI; Thom (Susan) Johnson of Ft. Wayne, IN; Karen (Phil) Lake of Craigville, IN; Richard (Elaine) Johnson of Decatur, TX; Cathy (Scott) McLeish of Ft. Wayne, IN; Carole (Tom) Bills of Whitley County South Whitley, IN; Mary Johnson (Ed Garr) of Ripley, NY; Joan (Dave) Hippenhammer of Ft. Wayne, IN; Judi (Brad) Holsinger of Indianapolis, IN; Darcey (Mark) McNeal of Anderson, IN; 31 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, sister Katherine Solomon of Saint Albans, West Virginia. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Florence Federer as well as her sisters Elizabeth Federer and Mary Patronik. With the deaths of Joan and her husband Richard falling so closely together, family and friends are feeling the combined loss of a strong and steadfast couple. While we are grateful for their lifetime example of faith, hope and love; they will leave a deep and lasting void in the lives of all who knew and loved them dearly. May we honor them by remembering and emulating all that was good. Mass of Christian Burial is 2:30 pm Saturday February 24, 2018 at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 1122 S. Calhoun, with calling one hour prior. Calling also Friday, February 23, 2018, from 2 - 5 & 7 - 9 pm, with a Rosary, at 4:30pm at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home,1140 Lake Ave Fort Wayne, IN. Entombment in Catholic Cemetery , Fort Wayne, Indiana. Memorials may be made to the Woman's Care Center 4600 W Jefferson Blvd Fort Wayne IN 46804 Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, Food Bank. 1122 S Clinton St. Fort Wayne, IN 46802. To sign the online guest book, go to www.domccombandsons.com