Mrs. Antonia Margaret "Toni" Johnson's Obituary
Mrs. Antonia Margaret “Toni” Johnson passed away on November 22, 2022.
Toni was born in Prov. Brandenburg, Gy (now Russian zone) born in 1943. She came to this country on September 5, 1952. Although her exact birthdate is unknown, she was given the birthday of September 5 as this was the day she came to America and was adopted by a wonderful American couple, Margaret and Hans Knutson of Holland, MI where Toni then grew up.
She attended West Ottawa High School and Ferris Institute (now Ferris State University) where she was active as a cheerleader, intermural sports, and a campus radio station worker. She also worked at the Big Rapids Hospital as a ward clerk. After graduating from Ferris, she attended night classes at Grand Rapids junior college while doing her internship and working full time at the Dept. of Social Services. She also took correspondence classes from Western University with the intension of minoring in Psychology.
On June 18, 1976, the former Toni Knutson married James K. “Jim” Johnson. Toni and Jim adopted two beautiful daughters from South Korea and raised them in their house in Muskegon, MI. After 37 years of marriage, Jim preceded her in death in 2013. Toni was an avid nature lover who loved working in her beautiful garden that wrapped around their wrap-around porch. She always felt closer to God while working in her garden. She also enjoyed doing crafts and sewing. She made clothes for the girls when they were younger and many beautiful quilts over the years. In the past, she helped serve some meals at a local church and volunteered at the Rescue Mission store. Toni worked for the Dept. of Social Services and, after 25+ years of service, retired early after battling some health issues, including neurofibromatosis and breast cancer.
Toni is survived by two daughters, Heather (Paul) Longoria of Hudsonville, MI and Alyssa (Adam) Bohnert of Baton Rouge, LA; and her three wonderful grandsons, Declan (6), Nash (3) and Milo (4mo).
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Toni’s honor can be directed to the Noah Project; where her beloved dog Scout was rescued, or to the Neurofibromatosis Research Foundation.
A Celebration of Toni’s Life will be held from 12:00-3:00 PM at Noto's at the Bil-Mar, 1223 S. Harbor Dr., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Arrangements entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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