Date of Birth
Feb 05,1950
Date of Death
Mar 20,2005
NAME/ AGE Janice Kay Johanson, age 55, of Elburn, passed away at her home surrounded by the love of her family on Sunday, March 20, 2005. BORN She was born February 5, 1950, the daughter of Archibald Jr. and Henrietta (Carr) Valentine in Richmond, WA. CHILDHOOD Kay grew up in Chicago, IL where she attended local schools. She graduated from Austin High School with the class of 1967. MARRIED Shortly after graduation, Kay married her highschool sweetheart, Carl Johanson. They were married at the church where they first met in Chicago. They began their new life together in Germany where Carl was stationed before being transferred back to the states where they were restationed in Texas. Shortly after Carl was discharged, they moved back to the Chicago area where they eventually raised their family in Woodridge for a time. In 1978 the family moved to Elburn where they have since made their home. EMPLOYMENT Kay enjoyed buying antiques for many years and when it became apparent that she had accumulated a number of "treasures", she began to sell them and put herself in the position of Antiques Dealer. Kay developed space in several area shops and shows to display her collections from Illinois to Wisconsin as well as the largest antiques show in the country, Heart of Country, in Nashville, TN. Her life long passion spanned almost 30 years and thousands of special finds for the amateur and professional alike. MEMBERSHIP She was a proud member of the Northern Illinois Hosta Society and she and Carl would make many trips to the regional and national conventions. LIFE NOTES Kay also had a passion for gardening, especially Hostas, of which she proudly planted over two thousand around her home. Kay also built a collection of "yard art" that decorated her lawn and garden. She loved her grandchildren who would come to visit and spend their special time with their Grandma or "Mimi". Kay also enjoyed taking day trips boating on the Chain-O-Lakes and Delevan WI, as well as their yearly week long excursions to Missouri. One of her dream vacations came true this last year when Kay and Carl and a host of "Hosta Friends" made a trip to Alaska. SURVIVORS She now leaves her loving husband Carl Johanson, Two children: Renee (Robert) Bell of Montgomery, IL and Michelle (Jamie) Gartland of South Elgin, ILFour grandchildren:Bobby, Brandon, and Megan Bell and Kaitlyn Gartland;Her father Archibald Valentine Jr. of St. Charles, ILAnd a family of friends. PRECEDED She now joins her mother, Henrietta Valentine, who preceded her on January 31, 2002. MEMORIALS Memorials may be made in her name to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119
SERVICES A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, Lily Lake, IL, at 11 a.m., Friday March 25, 2005. Rev. Ernst Rex, pastor of the church, will officiate.
Interment will follow at New Hampshire Cemetery, St. Charles, IL.