Johanna B. De Jong

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Johanna B. De Jong

January 11, 1928 ~ December 2, 2023

 After a long life of grace and beauty, our beloved Mom, Johanna De Jong, passed away from natural causes. She is survived by her three children: Bill (Leona), John (Janet), and Frances (Blake). She was predeceased by her husband, Johannes; her son, Jeff (Alison); and a grandson, Timothy (CariAnn).  She is also survived by many other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Johanna was born in the Netherlands to Elizabeth and Lieuwe Roodhof. Like her six siblings, she grew up working in the family’s tavern. One of her favorite songs was “Que Sera, Sera” (“What Will Be, Will Be”) — and it was this approach to life that enabled her to survive the hardships of the Occupation of the Netherlands during WWII. It was this same outlook that gave her the courage to emigrate to the United States of America in the 1950s with her husband and their small children. They had no jobs, very little money and no English, but with grit, determination and hard work, they were able to achieve the American Dream: their own home and a better life for their children in the Land of Opportunity.

A devout member of St. Ann Parish, she volunteered her time and skills for her community: everything from bake sales (her home-made pastries were legendary) to delivering Holy Communion to those who were unable to attend church.  She was very active in the church’s Women’s Guild and helped tutor in after-school programs.   

In addition to being gracious and kind, Johanna was known for her spectacular wardrobe. Anyone who knew her would tell you that she always looked like a million bucks, whether she was attending a party or out weeding her garden. She definitely had a flair for fashion, and a gift for thrift. When times were lean, she sewed clothes for the family, and when times were rosier, she loved to hit the sales racks. She never bought anything unless it was on sale. She raised bargain-hunting to an art form.  

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Ann Catholic Church, 450 East 2100 South, Salt Lake City, on January 11, 2024. A rosary will be held in the church at 10 a.m.; Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Interment will be held privately.

 Mom, goodbye and Tot Ziens!