1979 ~ 2004
Josie "The Joze" Johnson, age 25, passed away September 18, 2004 from injuries sustained in an accident while riding her bicycle in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Josie was born July 15, 1979 in Oakland, California. She was known for her kind personality, sensitivity to others, and hard working disposition. In fact, to the chagrin of her older siblings, she always managed to outdo them in practically every aspect of school and sports. It wouldn't be an understatement that, over the years, a little sibling rivalry would get stirred up as she excelled beyond expectations in things she put her mind to.
She had a knack for the books. She graduated valedictorian from both her junior and senior high schools. She went on to graduate Cum Laude from Brigham Young University, serve a full time mission in Belgium and France for the LDS Church, and was in her second year as a graduate student in Molecular Biology at the University of Utah. In sum, she had a "can do" attitude that was infectious even when things looked tough.
Josie enjoyed swimming, the mountains, and anything that involved being outdoors. A frequent challenge from Joze would be, "Hey let's do the mountain" meaning "bet you can't keep up." She loved to backpack, ski, hike, and cycle wherever she was but especially in the beautiful canyons of the Wasatch Front. One of Josie's best features was that she would organize mountain adventures for her nieces and nephews who always looked forward to spending time with their aunt. One of Josie's most enduring passions was swimming. She would find water wherever she could, even in cold mountain lakes. She made a habit out of participating in the annual swim race across Lake Tahoe.
Josie was a devout member of her faith. She was a pillar of spiritual strength to all of her immediate family and friends. She served her community and church congregation with a selfless heart and a cheerful outlook.
Joise is survived by her parents, Richard and Betty Johnson, her three older siblings Ken Johnson (Jenifer), Julie Rizman (Matt), and Justin Johnson (Susan), a large drove of nieces and nephews who loved their Aunt Joze.
A viewing followed by a memorial service will be held Tuesday, Sept 21 at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, Utah from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held in her home town of Oakland, California on Friday, September 24 in the Oakland First Ward Chapel at 1 p.m.
Contributions in Josie Johnson memory may be made to the Josie Johnson Memorial Fund, University of Utah, Development Dept., 201 President Circle, rm 304, SLC, UT 84112
checks payable to U of U.