Catherine Ann Johnson

CATHERINE ANN (FINLEY) JOHNSON, age 89, of Edina, formerly of Janesville, died on Friday, February 16, 2024, at her home.

 Ann was born on May 12, 1934, to Herbert and Gertrude (Keeley) Finley in Mankato, MN. She attended school at Janesville High School, and while attending Minnesota State University Mankato earning her bachelor’s degree in education, she met her future husband, Roy Eugene Johnson. They were united in marriage on August 1, 1956, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Janesville. Together they lived in Mankato for three years before moving to Janesville and raising their eight children.

 Ann, alongside her husband Roy, owned and operated the Finley Brothers Fairway Foods Grocery Store in Janesville for 25 years. The same grocery store had previously been in the Finley family for over 100 years. 

 Ann was a very family-oriented person who spent her life raising her eight children and cherishing her 19 grandchildren. She enjoyed the little things in life, like decorating for holidays, no matter what holiday it may be. She was a sweet, kind, generous person, she loved her family and being a mother, more than anything else. She enjoyed reading, being involved in the bridge club, the lady 8’s, having coffee with friends, and very devoted to her faith throughout the entirety of her life. She was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church, where she held many liturgical roles over the years including, lector, CCD teacher, and participating as a Eucharistic Minister. 

 Ann is survived by her eight children: Tom (Angela) of Greenwood, SC, Liz (Scott) Dorn of Edina, Terry (Ruth) of Rochester, Timothy of Waconia, Ted (Jill) of Edina, Chris (Mischel Peacock) of St. Louis Park, Bill of Naperville, IL and Julie (Dan) Moran of Evergreen Park, IL; 19 grandchildren: Robby, Emily and Nicole Dorn, Anthony, Brooke and Luke Johnson, Ayla, Tyler and Ashley Johnson, Zachary and Tess Johnson, Mel and Mackie Peacock, Bobby, Joey and Isabelle Johnson, and Molly, Grace and Danny Moran; brother, Joseph Finley; sister-in-law, Pat Finley of Palm Desert, CA, nieces, nephews, and many relatives. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; sister, Mary (Jim) McLoone; brother, John Finley; and sister-in-law, Marge Finley.

Faith, Family, and Friends were very important to our mom. She had a big heart and enthusiasm for life.

 Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Janesville. Interment will be in St. Ann Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Saturday at the church. In Lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Saint Ann Parish Center.