Joan Mary Johnson

Obituary of Joan Mary Johnson

Joan Mary Johnson, age 73, of St. Paul, MN passed away peacefully on August 15th at United Hospital.

Preceded in death by her beloved son Adam Johnson, brother Don Behrenbrinker and parents Raymond and Louise Behrenbrinker.

Survived by Bruce Johnson, daughters Christy O'Neill (Bill), Carla Johnson (Andrew) and Laura Johnson (Andy). Grandchildren Parker O'Neill, Carter Johnson, Marilyn Johnson, Kaleb Johnson and Hudson Berg.

Brother Jim Behrenbrinker (Patty) and sister in law Kathy Behrenbrinker. Many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

Joan was born December 3rd, 1951. She was raised by loving parents Ray and Louise Behrenbrinker. Joan loved spending summers on the family farm in Buffalo MN. She cemented lifelong Connections with her uncle Harvey, aunt Corrine and many cousins. She considered the farm a refuge. I'm sure this is where she learned the strong work ethic she possessed and how to work as team.

Joan and Bruce were married in 1982. They moved to St. Paul where they raised their family, 3 daughters and 1 son.

Joan was devoted to her special needs son Adam. She was the most organized and fiercest advocate that Adam could have had. She made sure that he could attend camp courage every summer. Adam loved attending the state fair! Joan would organize a team of care givers to accompany her and Adam to the fair each year so that Adam could have the best experience possible.

Joan had a 25 year career at Como elementary where she worked in the autism program. Joan was very involved in her church, serving in many roles. She helped with camp fundraisers, sale organizing, lector, Eucharist minister and first communion teacher.

Joan was a talented crafts person. She pursued many art forms over the years. Her favorites were photography, painting, jewelry design, and more.

After retirement Joan volunteered at St. Agnes Catholic School, teaching a program called Handwriting without Tears. Joan was a fixture in her neighborhood, known for her beautiful flowers and vegetable garden. She helped tutor neighborhood children and would be the first to offer up help when needed. She was surrounded by wonderful neighbors that looked out for her.

After Adam's passing Joan created Adam's Kindness Rock Garden. She wanted to honor her son by spreading love, kindness and compassion. She hand painted hundreds of rocks, each with an inspirational message. The rocks were free for anyone to take and she loved to see the smiles on people's faces when they picked their favorite.

Joan was a wife, mother, grandma, sister, cousin, friend and neighbor. Joan will be Sorely missed by her family, friends, and neighbors. We find comfort in knowing that Joan has been reunited with her beloved son Adam, brother Don, her parents and many other friends and relatives in heaven.

A funeral Mass for Joan will be held on Thursday September 18 at St. Stanislaus church

398 Superior St. St. Paul, MN 55102 visitation at 10:00 am Mass at 11:00 with a luncheon to follow.