Nancy Joy Johnson

Nancy Joy Johnson, 71, of Hibbing, died Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014, in her home.

She was born Aug. 28, 1943, the first born child of Kermit and Mary Johnson. She graduated from Hibbing High School in 1961. She earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from St. Scholastica and a master’s degree from Fordham University in New York City, N.Y.

She spent her years as a social worker serving the poor and elderly in New York City. In 1984, she returned to her roots in Hibbing so her beautiful daughter could be closer to family. She worked as a social worker at Golden Crest Nursing Home, Arrowhead Nursing Home and Leisure Hills Nursing Home. Poor health forced her retirement in 2001.

Forever a New Yorker, Nancy was a lover of books, classic movies, history, the Mets, Packers and all things Irish. A social activist, she wishes to be remembered as a peacemaker who worked for justice for all living things in whatever place she found herself.

True to her giving spirit, Nancy donated her body to the U of M Medical School.

She is survived by her devoted daughter, Bridget (Paul) Petrich, of Hibbing; grandchildren: Tyler, Nickolas and Savannah Petrich of Hibbing; sister, Jan (Patrick) Fatticci of Hibbing; brothers, Neil (Jenny) Johnson of Babbitt and Dan “DJ” Johnson of Hibbing; many nieces and nephews, including special nephew Joe “Josey Wales” Fatticci; her Androy family; friends and staff in dialysis; other cousins and friends; her honorary grandchildren, Daulton Balstad and Alex Antonich; and her cats, Lucky and Sonic.

Funeral: A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, with a time of prayer and sharing at noon at the Elks Club in Hibbing. Lunch will follow.