Obituary: Johnson, Kathleen L. “Kay”
Kay was the fourth of eight children, born on November 28, 1941 to Joe and Alice McCanna in Chewelah, WA.
The family moved to Spokane when she was three years old.
Her father passed away when she was 10 years old and the eight children were thereafter raised solely by their mother, Alice.
Kay attended St. Aloysius School and graduated from Holy Names Academy.
She completed Dental Technician Certification at Spokane Community College, interned at Fairchild Air Force Base and was employed by Dr. Manchester.
She also worked for the Hillyard Dental Clinic for many years, serving as their office manager.
Kay married the love of her life, Blake Johnson, on June 5th, 1965 at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parish in Spokane.
Together; they raised two children, traveled, gardened, hunted, hiked, fished, identified wild flowers and loved being in the forest.
Kay was a remarkable homemaker and seamstress, as well as a dedicated volunteer for many of her children’s and grandchildren’s activities.
Kay’s faith sustained her through trial and triumph and she consistently praised God for her gifts while serving others through numerous charitable works.
She was a life-long Catholic who daily attended Mass, prayed the Rosary and worked as a Eucharistic Minister.
She taught CCD, RCIA as well as served the Altar Society and Catholic Daughters of America.
Kay is survived by her husband of 50 years and two children; Blake Johnson at their home in Coeur d’Alene, ID., Don Johnson of Ocean Shores, WA., and Terri (Bob) Fortner of Spokane, WA.
Kay loved her grandchildren Nicholas, Christopher, Cecelia and Michael Fortner and Madison, Timothy and Amelia Johnson more than life itself.
She is also survived by her brothers Joe McCanna, Denny (Carolyn) McCanna and Pat (Diane) McCanna and sisters Mary Bishop, Rita (Jim) Slawter, Peggy Rasmussen and Fran Culligan.
Visitation is Tuesday, March 31st, 5-7 PM with a Rosary following at Hennessey Funeral Home on N. Division.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 1st at 1PM at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parish, Spokane with a reception to follow.
Private family inurnment is scheduled for a later date.
Kay’s kindness and charity will be fondly remembered by many and the family asks for Memorial Contributions to be made to either: Children’s Village 1350 W. Hanley, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815 or Anchor House 1609 S. Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.
Online condolences may be expressed at hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.