Frances Pat Johnson

Frances “Pat” Vardigan Johnson, age 100, passed away Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Eastwood Nursing Center in Negaunee. She was born March 26,1924 in Wells, MI and was the daughter of Paul and Helen (Crnich) Vardigan, Sr. Pat graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School in 1943. The former Frances “Pat” Vardigan married Burt James Ray on January 1, 1945 and he preceded her in death in 1956. She later married Stanley Johnson on January 29, 1997 and he preceded her in death on June 3, 1998. Pat was employed as an operator at Michigan Bell Telephone Company in Escanaba, at the Michigan Hotel and later at Photo Art in Escanaba until her retirement. She loved walking, listening to music, riding her bike, and attending the U.P. State Fair every year.  Pat was an avid Green Bay Packers fan, enjoyed politics and voted every year including this year to Make America Great Again! She loved to iron, was always dressed to the nines, and kept a spotless home. Pat had a wonderful companionship, in her later years with Elmer Dagenias as they enjoyed going to Packer games, sharing a glass of wine while portioning around Mahskeekee Lake listening to Danny O’Donnell. Pat was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Escanaba.

Pat is survived by daughter Mary Pat Ray; grandson Dennis Oestreich; great grandchildren Preston and Austin, sister-in-law Ora Vardigan; dear friend and caregiver Jane (Dagenais) Sarnowski Radebaugh; several nieces and nephews including Bonnie Vardigan Miketinac who was by her side when Aunt Patsy died.

In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by brothers Paul and Thomas Vardigan; sisters Ann Carter, Sister Mary Vardigan, Antonia Vardigan, Carolyn Smokevich and Mildred Joran.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Thursday, November 7, 2024 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Frances “Pat” Johnson will be held at 12:00 noon, Thursday at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Father Fran DeGroot officiating. Burial will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery.

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