Joanne D. Johnson

Mrs. Joanne D. (Anderson) Johnson, a lifelong resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at age 89.

Joanne was born on July 26, 1934 in Chelsea, one of three children of the late Arthur Anderson and Dorothy (Cutting) Anderson. Raised in Melrose, Joanne graduated from Melrose High School, Class of 1954. She met her future husband, Howard “Howie” Johnson, at a dance at the Greenwood School and they were married and settled in Melrose to raise a family of three sons.

After raising her family, Joanne began working at local real estate offices as a secretary before realizing her potential and becoming a licensed Real Estate Agent. With her social grace, good humor and eye for detail, she excelled in the role as Real Estate Agent and eventually opened her own Real Estate Agency in Melrose.

Joanne had a variety of interests and was way ahead of her time in many ways. She was dedicated to health and wellness with a focus on exercise and nutrition. In her younger years, she developed her own routine of taking care of her body, and teaching others to do the same. She was a Reiki Master, exercised regularly, and had a deep understanding of holistic medicine.

Always elegant and stylish, Joanne also had a love for fashion and design. With her good looks, she was asked to serve as a model for several local publications. For many years, she and Howie enjoyed spending time at their summer home in Nahant or traveling to see family.

With her natural gift for gab and endearing personality, Joanne was beloved by many and made friends with ease. She loved going out for dinner and dancing with Howie, or getting together with friends and family at Bellevue Golf Club. As a resident of Melrose for over 80 years, Joanne loved Melrose and was always actively involved. She was a longtime parishioner at Incarnation Church, volunteered at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, and was involved with local Al-Anon meetings.

More than anything, family was the hallmark of Joanne’s life. She was a deeply devoted wife to Howie, a constant source of love for her three sons, and remained forever proud of her grandchildren. She will be deeply missed, but her easy nature, graceful presence and love for family will be forever cherished and remembered.

Joanne was the beloved wife of the late Howard G. “Howie” Johnson with whom she shared 66 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Kenneth Johnson of Melrose, David Johnson and his wife Wendy of Lynnfield, Eric Johnson and his wife Tracy of Wakefield, and the late Arthur Johnson. Dear sister of Arthur Anderson and his wife Patricia of Saugus, and the late Elaine Antonucci and her late husband Alfred. Cherished grandmother of Lauren, Brandon, David, Brooke, Caroline, Alex and great-grandmother of Carson.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, Dec. 7 from 4-8pm, and again on Friday at 9am before leaving in procession to Incarnation Church, 429 Upham St., Melrose for her Funeral Mass celebrated at 10am. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.