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Garrison. Johanna Kelly August 20, 1982 - June 14, 2023

Johanna Kelly Garrison

August 20, 1982 – June 14, 2023

 

Johanna Kelly Garrison, beloved mother, partner, daughter, sister, granddaughter, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend, passed away suddenly on June 14, 2023 at age 40.

Born on August 20, 1982 to Patty and Gary Garrison, Johanna, along with her much-loved younger brother, grew up in Ewing, New Jersey. She attended elementary and middle school and enthusiastically participated in dance classes, Girl Scouts, and the Ewing Presbyterian Youth Group, among many other activities. After graduating from Notre Dame High School in Lawrence Township, NJ, Johanna earned her Associates Degree in Humanities at Mercer County Community College, where she served as the President of the Student Association and was involved in many campus-wide events.

Johanna found her true joy and contentment as an incredibly loving mother to Grace and Emily and a loyal and loving partner to Mike. She devoted her life to taking care of her family.  She became a dedicated volunteer at her daughters’ schools, as well as a Girl Scout leader and a constant and an eager fan and supporter at her girls’ basketball and soccer games.  Johanna was a friend to all and touched so many peoples’ lives.

Johanna Garrison’s bright smile and inner light was cherished by her family and friends and by most all who knew her. Her kindness and generosity of spirit, her innate beauty, and her love of her girls, her partner, her family and her friends enriched our lives. Johanna will be missed beyond measure.

Johanna is survived by her partner of 13 years, Michael Rafferty, and their two daughters, Grace, 10, and Emily, 7.  She is also survived by her parents, Patty and Gary, her grandfather, John D. Stevenson, her mother-in-law, Rose Rafferty, her brother and sister-in- law, Stevenson and Megan Garrison, her sister-in-law, Susan Rafferty, and many beloved aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

A celebration of her life will be held at Cochran’s Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ, 07840 on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Hydrocephalus Association in memory of Johanna. Hydrocephalus Association 4340 East West Highway, Suite 905 Bethesda, MD 20814-4447 https://secure2.convio.net/hydro/site/Donation2

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. For those wishing to leave online condolences, please visit, www.cochranfuneral.com

Condolences(21)

  1. REPLY
    John Isbirian says
    June 20, 2023 at 11:48 am

    May God bless you and your family as you transition to influencing lives eternally since you contributed to touching so many lives during your influential life here on Earth.

    • REPLY
      Patty Garrison says
      June 21, 2023 at 1:45 am

      Thank you, John. We so appreciate your friendship and comfort.
      Love, Patty

      • REPLY
        Sharyn Howell says
        June 22, 2023 at 3:53 am

        Patty, Johanna is now with the Kelly girls…her middle name is her badge…and her Uncle John is with her also.
        Doug and I send our love to you and your family. . We are so very sorry that this day has come.

        • REPLY
          Tom, Cynthia and Matt Gillespie says
          June 22, 2023 at 4:44 pm

          Patty, Gary and family,
          We were so shocked and saddened about the news of Johanna’s passing. Our hearts and prayers are with you always

          • Patricia Garrison says
            June 24, 2023 at 6:57 pm

            Thank you so much for your message and comforting words. They mean so much to us.

        • REPLY
          Patricia Garrison says
          June 24, 2023 at 6:56 pm

          Love you, Sharyn and Doug. Thank you for your love and comforting words. xox

  2. REPLY
    Carine Toussaint says
    June 20, 2023 at 2:44 pm

    To the Garrison family – I’m so sorry for your significant loss. May friends, family, and God’s love sustain you through this difficult time.

    • REPLY
      Patty Garrison says
      June 21, 2023 at 1:48 am

      Thank you, Carine. You are so kind to offer such comforting words. We truly appreciate your kindness.
      Love, Patty

  3. REPLY
    Jessi Lavine says
    June 20, 2023 at 4:56 pm

    Was so sorry to hear of Johanna’s passing. A sweet and loving soul. Remember fond memories of her growing up and being such a good friend to Sarah.
    Thinking of you all in this time of such sadness.

    • REPLY
      Patty Garrison says
      June 21, 2023 at 1:49 am

      Jessi, thank you. Sarah and Johanna had such fun together. I love the memories from those years! I will cherish them always.
      Love, Patty

  4. REPLY
    Lis Yacomelli says
    June 20, 2023 at 5:24 pm

    Dear Patty, Steve, and all of Johanna’s family,
    I’m devastated for you. May the love she brought to you, and all the love all your friends and family have for you, surround you to support you during this hard time. Love, Lisa

    • REPLY
      Patty Garrison says
      June 21, 2023 at 1:44 am

      So lovely to hear from you, Lisa. Thank you so much for your kind and loving words which truly comfort my broken heart.
      Love, Patty

  5. REPLY
    Barbara H. Williams says
    June 21, 2023 at 6:19 pm

    Dear Patty, Gary, Steve and all of the Garrison family – I wish I had the right words to offer you comfort during this difficult time. Please know that your North Carolina friends are thinking of and praying for you.
    Love, Barbara & John

  6. REPLY
    Christine says
    June 21, 2023 at 10:58 pm

    Dear Patty and Family,
    I know that truly no words can bring comfort at a time like this. My heart is broken that our sweet Johanna is no longer with us here. However, I know that she will be looking down on everyone she loves and will be a gaurdian angel for her beautiful girls. My prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Anything that we can do to help we will. Sending so many hugs and love.
    Christine Harman and Family

    • REPLY
      Patricia Garrison says
      June 24, 2023 at 6:58 pm

      Christine, I have been loving looking at photos of you and Johanna and the circle of friends from your younger years. Memories are so precious! Thank you so much, and I’ll hope to see you soon. xoxo

  7. REPLY
    Patty Garrison says
    June 21, 2023 at 11:06 pm

    Thank you so much, Barbara and John. Comforting words from friends are healing words, and we so appreciate your thoughtfulness and support.
    Love,
    Patty, Gary, Steve, and the family

  8. REPLY
    Will Reese says
    June 22, 2023 at 3:50 pm

    Dear Patty, Steve and the Garrison family,

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Wishing you love and comfort during this time.
    Love,
    Will

    • REPLY
      Patricia Garrison says
      June 24, 2023 at 7:00 pm

      Thank you so much, Will. I so appreciate your message. I will see you soon so that I can thank you in person.
      Love, Patty

  9. REPLY
    Dawn says
    June 24, 2023 at 2:21 am

    Dear Patty, Gary, Steve and all of your family, We were so sorry to hear of Johanna’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending love and hugs, Dawn and Jim Brossoie and family

  10. REPLY
    Patricia Garrison says
    June 24, 2023 at 7:01 pm

    Dear Dawn and Jim,
    Thank you so much for reaching out. I am thinking of the old neighborhood and the fun that the kids had. I am so grateful for the memories…they are really precious.
    Thank you again.
    Love, Patty

    • REPLY
      Ana Santamaria says
      March 13, 2024 at 7:55 pm

      Dear Patty, Gary and Steve,
      We are so, so sorry to hear about Johanna’s passing. You and all of your family are in our Prayers. I always have you in my mind and heart.

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