Virginia Nancy Johnson

Virginia Nancy Johnson passed away peacefully on May 1st, 2025, after a noble battle with Alzheimer’s. Nancy was born in Alexandria, Minnesota to Chet and Lillian (Rosengren) Hustad. She lived briefly in Alaska and Seattle when she was young, but grew up primarily in Alexandria near the shores of Lake Latoka with her three younger brothers (Jerry, Lee, John). With that type of upbringing it was no surprise that Nancy eventually became the Minnesota State Fishing Queen. After attending Mankato State and St Cloud University she graduated with a BA in Home Economics. A chance blind date with a visiting basketball player changed the course of her life. 60 years of marriage was the outcome of that fateful decision.

After graduation, she soon married her blind date, Jim Johnson. They lived in Minneapolis for a couple years before a big move across the country to Rochester, New York for Jim’s job at Eastman Kodak. They later moved to Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil for Jim’s work. Jim had initially turned down the opportunity, but Nancy insisted he march back into work and accept the role. During her time in Brazil she learned some passable Portuguese that enabled her immerse herself in beautiful cultural experience. They also spent many summers at their cottage on Keuka Lake, which became a huge draw and memory maker for friends, kids and grandkids.

Nancy and Jim were caring parents who raised three children with support, love and quiet expectations. Chris Johnson (& Karen), Kara Morse (& Rick) and Craig Johnson (& Nancy) are forever indebted to them for all they provided. As time passed, Nancy became a grandmother. She simply adored her five grandchildren; Cameron Johnson (& Lindsay), Colin Johnson (& Bev), Jake Johnson, James Johnson and Annika Morse and took great pride in all of their accomplishments. With two Nancys in the family, we had lots of discussions about how to differentiate them. Big Nancy and Little Nancy was quashed, as was Old Nancy and Young Nancy. We eventually settled on the Original Nancy, Spicy Nancy and Imitation Nancy (Karen).

Although she was a former state fishing queen, that was not core Nancy. Original Nancy had STYLE. As she told us in later years, she had style since the time she was young. She hosted parties with aplomb, her hand-made Christmas decorations were sent out annually, her holidays spreads were picture perfect, she made her children’s clothes in the latest style when they were young and her cottage was renovated with adorable hand-made touches. VNJ Designs allowed her to share her creativity with others and earn a little money on the side. We liked to joke that she was like Martha Stewart without the insider trading and jail time. Nancy was also a very social person and made so many friends across the years. Dorothy, Madeline, Diane, Edna, Lynn, Uta, Mary and Mary Lou were amongst her cherished friends.

Nancy suffered with Alzheimer’s over the last decade. It is a terrible disease, that nonetheless created some crazy moments, for example; Did she think we were really idiots all along and was just too kind to let us know? The gentlemen whose butt she pinched at her facility’s holiday party certainly had a Merry Christmas! And did the young co-worker who came over for Thanksgiving ever get over her attempted set-up with her son’s wife? One has to laugh at these moments rather than just cry.

Even at the very end, Nancy still loved to chat. Her speech cadence, inflections and mannerisms remained vintage Nancy, even when the words did not make sense. She also loved music. Those old songs were deeply embedded in her psyche. Anyone who spent time with Nancy lately, became a fan of Patsy Cline which was on repeat most days. Despite being a bit feisty at first, Nancy would usually warm up, engage and often thanked the caregivers when they finished. Throughout this time, she was incredibly supported by her loving husband, Jim, and her caregiver, Timi Ademodi. Jim and Timi both poured their love into her so she felt safe, secure, listened to and loved.

Nancy Johnson led a full life. She brought great joy to her family and friends. She will be missed, but never forgotten.