Obituary of Alexandria Johnson

December 23, 1941 - August 1, 2020

Alexandria "Sandy" Johnson.  Age 78 of Westland.

Beloved wife of the late James W. Johnson.  Loving mother of Celia (Donald) Polich. Dear sister of Helen Blaszczyk and the late Marilyn Schaf.  Also survived by several nieces, nephews and 2 great nieces. 

Family Tribute

Alexandria (Sandy) (Blaszczyk) Johnson

Who grew up in Hamtramck and being the oldest, took care of her two younger siblings. Graduating from Hamtramck High in 1959, where she had been active in choir, obtained a scholarship, and attended Wayne State University. 

In her twenties, she held a service position at Hudsons in Detroit. Later worked at Plymouth State Home, was an elementary parochial school teacher, and worked for Social Services in Michigan. She was then set up on a blind date, falling in love with James whom she married in 1972. Their adventurous honeymoon was a reflection of their love of culture, curiosity, and thirst for knowledge. They traveled via van thru Central America down the Panamanian highway. Soon they were surprised by the birth of their only daughter Celia and relocated to Lincoln Park.

Though primarily a homemaker while her daughter was young, she was active with nursery school, PTA, and Camp Fire/Blue Birds. Alexandria became active in various organizations and was often an advocate for children with learning disabilities while engaging in various employment opportunities. Her advocacy work included writing state legislature, public speaking for Michigan Dyslexia Institute (Ronald E. Weger Award), and holding the position of Parent advocate for the Cerebal Palsy Society. When not being an advocate she held jobs with H&R Block, the Census (twice), and was a receptionist for her local catholic church.  

Leisure activities and interests included reading (an extensive collection of books amassed by her and her husband James), baking, sewing (nativity outfits for the church Christmas pageant), crocheting, crafting with wreaths and flowers, identifying wildflowers, bird watching, traveling out west (with an interest in Native American Cultural Centers, activities and crafts) and attending church while ministering to the sick. Often she and James took car rides just to see where the road led (no GPS just a map). When not engaged in these activities you could find her enjoying PBS programming and enjoying cuddle time with her cats (Quester and Ebony).

She welcomed everyone with a smile (often finding a group of neighborhood kids gathered to socialize, play and snack), even as her daughter was in high school her home and time remained open to teen friends as a welcome place where they could be found to be visiting with her to talk and joke. She appreciated the changing music and culture of the 90s. Enjoying choir, Brook Benton, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beetles, Enya, Depeche Mode, Annie Lennox, and Tumbarumba. 

She was a generous bright light of love, who cared greatly for her family, friends, and community.  

She will be remembered most for her love which she shared freely with her bright smile, hugs, and time.

A private family gathering will be held and the services will be live streamed.  The family encourages anyone who wishes to participate to please do so.  Please click the following link to be directed to the live stream services: https://youtu.be/9n_NPLGmexA