Sally Jo Johnson

Sally Jo Cesa Johnson was born in Antioch, California on June 29th, 1956. She was the greatest mom to two, most loving wife to one, and a best friend to many. Eight years ago, Sally was diagnosed with leukemia and multiple myeloma, no one could have fought any harder. With most obstacles she threw up her shoulders, rolled her big "Bambi" eyes and just took another step forward. Sally was a force of nature. She was the fourth of six children born to Henry and Glenna Cesa which included the Cesa Girls - Susan, Sharon, Sandra, Sally & Shirley, and brother Joe.Sally and her siblings attended Holy Rosary Elementary. Summers were spent alternating between Lake Tahoe and Santa Cruz/Capitola. Most weekends the kids spent time with one or the other sets of grandparents - they especially loved going to Grandma Myrl's, swimming in her pool, and enjoying holidays with cousins Robbie, Linda and their parents.Sally enjoyed cheerleading at Antioch High School. She graduated in 1974 and started working for Tillie Lewis Foods where she met her husband Dan. Dan saying that he knew "when her first saw her, she would be the only woman he would love for the rest of his life". They enjoyed many adventures including bike rides, amusement parks and waterslides. In 2021 Sally and Dan renewed their wedding vows after 44 years. Her proudest accomplishments - Her marriage to Dan and her two children Lisa and Eric. In the early 80's Sally started a daycare business, and for over 15 years, took care of 76 children with her warm, kind, and nurturing talents. It was during this time that Sally - supporting her own children in theater, and using her love of sewing, started designing and making costumes for local theater groups. Sally was nominated several times and in 2001 She was awarded an Outstanding Contribution Shellie Award for Antioch Regional Theater. Sally and Dan passed on their love of Disney and theater to their children. With many trips to Disneyland the family built a strong bond that continues today. After closing her daycare, Sally started a new career in retail - managing both Joann's Fabrics and later, Petco - She absolutely loved her work buddies and working in the retail environment. Sally is survived by her husband Daniel Johnson (until his recent passing on June 13th, 2023), her daughter Lisa (Jason) and son Eric (Marty). She leaves behind her sisters, Susan (Phil) Carrillo, Sharon (Paul) Laird, Sandra Acker, Shirley (Mike) Shaw and brother, Joseph (Cathi). Her large family includes many nieces and nephews, Davidson and Cesa cousins, including her closest cousin, Linda Truesdell. Sally is predeceased by her parents Henry and Glenna Cesa, nephew Phillip Jr. Carrillo and brother-in-law Joseph Acker.Per her wishes, she donated herself to UCSF Medical School. She was so thankful to the clinical trials and various treatments that she and others were able to participate in. She wanted to help continue advancements that might prolong life and hopefully find a cure for other Multiple Myeloma and Plasma Cell Leukemia patients.Her Celebration of Life will be announced. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to UCSF Foundation. PO Box 45339, San Francisco, CA 94145.