ASHBURN, VA – Anna Mae Johnson, 58, of Ashburn, VA, died in the morning light of Sunday, September 17, 2017, at Inova Loudoun Hospital following complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer.

Anna Mae was born on August 28, 1959, in Ishpeming, MI to the late Emma and Lawrence " Buck" Johnson. A natural caretaker, Anna Mae always returned to direct-care despite occasionally dabbling in entrepreneurship, working in long-term care facilities Acocks, Norlite, and Eastwood before moving on to group homes and apartment settings dedicated to the developmentally disabled. Anna Mae took a special liking to her clients and they returned the sentiment, often viewing her as a friend and mother figure.

In 2008, Anna Mae took her talents to the New Jersey shore, where she found new friends, new adventures, and a new attitude. While she always held Michigan dear, in later years, she referred to Jersey as her home, as well. Recently, Anna Mae moved to the Washington, DC area to be closer to her only child, Alicia.

In her spare time, Anna Mae loved to be with her daughter, whether they were traveling, gaming in Atlantic City, NJ and Charles Town, WV, or enjoying the latest TV shows and political scandals. Anna Mae never knew a stranger, and developed lasting relationships with every journey she took.

Anna Mae is survived by her daughter, Alicia Durfee, and future son-in-law, Tim Sullivan, both of Washington, DC; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; and a plethora of friends from Michigan, New Jersey, Virginia, and beyond.

On the other side, she joins her beloved parents, Emma and Buck Johnson; maternal grandparents, Timothy and Irene Dunn; paternal grandparents Carl and Marie Johnson; and special canine companion, Evita.

Special thanks are given to the ICU and palliative care staff at Inova Loudoun Hospital for their care and comfort in this time of need.

Anna Mae's family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00-11:00 AM on Saturday October 14, 2017 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming where a memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM with Rev. Lauri O. Maki officiating. A luncheon will follow at the Bethel Lutheran Church fellowship hall.

Interment will take place in the Ishpeming Cemetery.

Donations may be made in memory of Anna Mae to Lungevity (lungevity.org) and/or the Inova Health Foundation (foundation.inova.org/)

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .