Nancy Ann Johnson

Nancy Ann (Coughlin) Johnson, age 93, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on the afternoon of January 26, 2024, at UW Hospital. 

Born in Madison, WI, on February 17, 1930, Nancy, the twin sister to Patsy (Landowski), was the youngest of eight daughters to Margaret and Thomas Coughlin, who raised their daughters, Gene (Marty), Norma (Hastings), Elizabeth (Oakey), Phyllis “Phussie” (Mueller Steele), Caryl (Oscar), Virginia (Earl) and the twins on West Shore Drive.

This Irish Catholic Lass married naval officer, Arthur Johnson, whose travels around the country led them back to the Vilas Neighborhood of Madison where they raised their children, Arthur “Rick,” Nancy Lee (Cramer), David, Tom, Elizabeth (Fiscus), Kurt, and Kathleen “Tass”.

Nancy nurtured a strong sense of community through her activism as an Alderperson, involvement at St. James Church, lifelong friendships in bridge club, and the other families in the neighborhood.  Nancy and Art later relocated to the cottage they built on Jordan Lake in Wisconsin Dells where she enjoyed the simple things of life such as the colorful sunsets, peaceful cries of loons, echoes of the frozen lake, and garden beds filled with Art’s day lilies. Through the decades, Nancy, “Grandma No-No," was blessed with 10 grandchildren “Idjits” and 10 great-grandchildren.

Nancy will be remembered for her strongly independent, passionate, and fiery personality that was deceptively represented in her tiny stature. She boldly and unapologetically expressed herself with her sharp tongue and witty mind.  Her heart of gold loved others through her immense generosity. Nancy’s vast creative talent included quilting, rug hooking, antiques, and crafting.  Her passion for cooking made people always go home with a full belly and plenty of leftovers.  While Nancy practiced her culinary skills, she would have the TV turned on to either her cooking and quilting programs, Fox News or the Turner Classic Movie channel. Her competitive nature came out when she beat her granddaughters in a game of Kings in the Corner or on Sundays when she played Mahjong with her friends at All Saints.

There is peace knowing Nancy has joined her mother, father, twin, sisters, husband, and son, David, in heaven.

 Slán go fóill.

A celebration of life will be scheduled this spring. Contact the family for details.