Johanna Scott Workman (nee Fitzke)
Born November 4, 1956, in Lansing, Michigan, our dearly loved sister and mother, Johanna Workman (a.k.a. Jones) passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 3, 2023, at the age of 66, at Sparrow Hospital with her family and community of friends holding her in their hearts and surrounding her with love.
Johanna was the daughter of Robert L. Fitzke and Joycelyn and Harold Sheffer.
Surviving are her son, Jacob Johnson and his children Ezekiel Graham, Sofia Graham, and Elijah Graham-Johnson; son, Matthew Workman and his children, Dakota, Maddie, Jaxon, and Ariel; step-daughter, Sarah (Jason) Check and their daughter, Abby; step-daughter, Anna James and her son, Dion; step-daughter, Laura Workman and her children Nate and Gabe; brother, Robert J. Fitzke (DeAnne Loll) and their son Matthew Fitzke-Loll; and brother, David (Linda) Fitzke and their daughter, Angela Fitzke.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Workman.
Johanna received her associate degree from LCC, her bachelor’s degree in English from Michigan State University (MSU), and her master’s in Social Work from MSU. In the past, Johanna had worked as a legal aid but for the past sixteen years she worked as a Bereavement Coordinator for Heartland Hospice (now Promedica). As a Bereavement specialist, Johanna used her kindness and unlimited patience to help people navigate their lives after the death of loved family members or friends. She truly loved the work she did and considered her position an honor. The metaphor of a pebble tossed into a pond and the circular ripple that continues to widen is a perfect one for our wonderful Johanna. She was the pebble and the wider the circular ripple became, the more people Johanna touched. She will never know how many painful lives and lost souls she helped to ease over the years. Johanna was a very talented writer, enjoyed traveling, listening to music, and reading. She will be remembered fondly as an adoring grandmother. We will hold her in our hearts forever and know she is sitting in a lounge chair on a beach somewhere in the sunshine.
A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date.
Those who wish, may make a memorial contribution in memory of Johanna, to the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.
13 Messages to “Johanna Scott Workman (nee Fitzke)”
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Josh Heidenreich
September 7, 2023 at 1:59 amThis was not the news I wanted to receive today! I will forever remember your infectious smile and laughter, training you at CWS, helping move you to SC, our many many conversations and our many nicknames for each other! I will miss you but hope you are reunited with Bill!
Robert Fitzke
September 7, 2023 at 3:15 pmThank you Josh for your kind words about my sister.
Robert Fitzke
Janet Gooch
September 7, 2023 at 7:41 pmI was stunned to hear this news today. Johanna and I were good friends in St Johns before we moved to NC. We talked alot after the move and saw each other a few times, she came fown to be in our wedding in 2000. We drifted over the years but any time we talked there was no space between us. She was a lovely human, loved her family deeply, and had more chill in her than most. I remember her talking about grief once and I still use her words, “ when it comes to grief there is no right or wrong way to deal with it, people all do it their own way.” Such acceptance. I love you Johanna.
Robert Fitzke
September 8, 2023 at 2:13 pmThank you Janet for your kind words about my sister. No truer words were spoken about grief and she was an expert both personally and professionally.
Her brother, Robert Fitzke
Laurie McKesson
September 8, 2023 at 3:09 pmI miss you, my friend. You will be in my heart forever.
DeAnne Loll
September 11, 2023 at 10:36 amWhat a wonderful friend you were to our sweet Johanna. We will be forever grateful for all the support and love you gave her and us in her final days.
Robert and DeAnne
Amanda Egbert
September 8, 2023 at 5:00 pmJohanna and I met at Amedysis hospice in Pawleys Island. We were fast friends from the moment we met. We bonded over our connection to West Michigan. We were “soul sisters.” I miss her infectious laugh and smile. Her love of music- especially Eminem. Her huge heart and ability to listen and really hear what was being said. Her way with words and her love of the beach. Our countless beach trips, laughs, meals, and our 15 hour road trip when she moved back to Michigan to be near her family. We never turned the radio on once and just talked the whole time. She loved her family and friends fiercely. Rest easy my friend. I am honored to know and love you.
DeAnne Loll
September 11, 2023 at 10:44 amJohanna was fortunate to have a friend like you. I felt the same way about her ability to listen and really hear what was being said. It was her super power.
Robert and DeAnne
Tina Cooper (formerly Davidson)
September 9, 2023 at 10:30 amJo and I were neighborhood pals, the Elmwood gang. She was bright, good natured, funny and fun. My first true friend, I don’t believe we ever disagreed. She enriched my life, I have the fondest memories and will never forget her. Sending love to all of her family and friends, what a loss. Rest peacefully in that beach chair, old friend.
Bobby Fitzke
September 11, 2023 at 10:49 amThanks for the kinds words Tina. The Elmwood Gang was truly special. I remember you and my sister being together, laughing and having fun. It was truly a lifetime ago.
Bobby
Donna E McCarthy
September 21, 2023 at 12:09 pmI am so sorry to hear about Johanna’s passing. My heart goes out to her family and all the friends that love her. She will remain in my heart forever.
Bobby Fitzke
September 22, 2023 at 9:57 amThank you Donna.
Christine Helen Cruz
September 30, 2023 at 8:19 amI’m shocked at the news I just received about Johanna. We met in high school and remained friends. We shared some fun and many memories. I loved Johanna and will miss her so much. My condolences to the family. I know she was dear to your hearts too.