Patty Diane Johnson

Patty "Pat" Johnson, born March 15, 1951, left this world on June 14th, 2024 while at her home surrounded by family. She lived a beautiful life full of love. A woman of hospitality, she always enjoyed being around others and hosting others in her home. Her husband, Jeff, cherished the 45 years he spent by her side and together they taught their sons Gabe and Brandon integrity, hard work, and the value of family, equipping them with vital skills to live lives of adventure and to treasure the families they each went on to build.
Pat was born to Norman and Bessie (Snyder) Fahncke in Celina Ohio, the youngest of five girls. Patty held a special bond with her four sisters - Donna, Reta, Carolyn and Linda - who she delighted in lengthy visits with, full of card games and long conversations catching up on the happenings in the family. Patty cherished her sisters dearly, and was the master of what her daughter-in-law affectionately named "The Fahncke goodbye" which could stretch on for an hour with sisters or friends hesitant to depart one another. Pat and her sisters were the best of friends, talking nearly every day.
Pat was predeceased by her loving "Mother" and "Daddy" and her oldest sister Donna. Pat was especially grateful for the many years into adulthood she was able to share with her mother, Bessie Fahncke, who was a staple in household holidays and traditions.
Patty worked in insurance services and served on the Mendon Union and Mercer County School Boards. Despite her many responsibilities, she never failed to be anything less than excellent as a mother, cooking a full breakfast for the boys before the bus and remaining active in their schooling.
When her children moved and were married, Patty enjoyed travel to Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, Switzerland, Brazil, Florida, South Carolina, Idaho, and Georgia to visit family. She was a welcoming mother-in-law, excited for her family to grow with the addition of her two daughters-in-law, Lauren, and Debora. She delighted in the births of her grandchildren: Marcelo, Emilia, Alex and Mirabelle. She cherished time with them, even getting to enjoy the boys living in her home, Marcelo as a toddler, and both Alex and Marcelo when Brandon and Debora lovingly moved back to care for Pat in her home, giving her extended time in this sacred place where she felt most comfortable.
Nothing delighted Pat more than to see the four grandchildren playing together and she looked forward to those "Johnson Ten" gatherings with such anticipation. Much to the chagrin of her sons and daughters-in-law, she thoroughly enjoyed spoiling the grandkids at Thanks-mas, the special Johnson holiday where Thanksgiving and Christmas was celebrated (as well as Jeff, Alex and Mira's birthdays) all in one glorious week! The sons could barely fit the swaths of presents in the suitcases that she had lovingly picked out for the kids, always eager to see their excitement and joy.
Pat loved bottomless cups of coffee, cinnamon toast with lots of butter, reading, Facetiming with her family, hot chocolate & rolls, her book club, her & Jeff's studies of Native American teachings, peace signs, card games (especially Yahtzee!), cube steak, meatloaf, gatherings with family, laughter, Debora's cooking, staying up late to watch movies with Jeff, snow falling, Lauren's paintings & pictures, generosity, providing for all she loved, the Fahncke Thanksgiving gathering and anytime her family was together. She loved her dear friends and her Book Club like family and felt fulfilled & enriched around them. She loved her sons and her husband for the people they were and was always so very proud of them.
To her son Brandon she leaves her deeply caring nature, big heart and a touch of stubbornness, to her son Gabe she leaves her smile, sense of humor and disdain for authority. To Debora she leaves cabinets full of mugs and her appreciation for all the tender care she gave her as her most favorite nurse. To Lauren she leaves a model for what it means to be a selfless mother as well as how to stretch out a goodbye. To her grandkids, she leaves years of beautiful memories, lots of Lego sets, dolls, and Nintendo Switch games, but most importantly the feeling of being unconditionally cherished in this world. To her husband she leaves her undying love, unfathomable gratitude, many requests for "the good snacks" and their two beautiful children and their families who love him more than words can ever describe.
A small private service and a Celebration of Pat's life will be held by invitation. Pat's services are in the care of the Lehman-Dzendzel Funeral Home in Celina. Condolences may be shared with the Johnson family on Line at the LehmanDzendzelFH.com.
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