Nancy Katherine Bogdanovic Johnson, 80, passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories, enduring friendships, and a family who loved her dearly.
Born on November 4, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, Nancy grew up in Cicero, Illinois, where she met the love of her life, Robert Lee “Bob” Johnson, when they were just seventh graders. Their friendship blossomed into a high school romance and eventually a marriage that would take them on a lifetime of adventures together.
As a devoted military wife, Nancy supported Bob throughout his military career, embracing seven moves across states and countries. Through each new assignment and new home, she demonstrated the strength, adaptability, and dedication that were such important parts of her life.
Nancy built a career with AmSouth Bank, where she began working on the teller line and eventually became Head Teller. She took pride in her work, but when her grandson, Jake, came along, she discovered what she considered the best job of all — caring for her grandson. She happily traded her banking career for the opportunity to spend those precious years with him, a decision that brought her immeasurable joy.
Being Jake’s grandmother was one of Nancy’s greatest pleasures. She loved watching him grow up and faithfully attended his baseball and football games, always ready to cheer him on. She especially shared his passion for baseball, and following Bob’s passing, Nancy and Jake continued making wonderful memories together through trips to minor league baseball games. She would patiently stand alongside him for hours waiting for autographs, simply because she knew how much it meant to him. Those adventures, ball games, and countless hours spent together created memories that would last a lifetime.
Another of Nancy’s greatest joys was playing bridge with a wonderful circle of friends whose relationships began through the Newcomers Club in the early 1980s. What started as a way to meet new people blossomed into friendships that spanned more than four decades. Through the years, the cards kept coming out, the conversations continued, and the friendships only grew stronger. Several of these special women continued gathering to play bridge with Nancy until the very end. She was especially blessed by the friendship and companionship of her dear friends Kay, Nadia, and Audra, who brought so much joy to her life.
Nancy was also an avid reader who loved getting lost in a good book. She shared that passion with her sister, Joan, who lives in Wisconsin. Despite the miles between them, the two maintained a special connection through their love of reading, regularly mailing books back and forth to one another. It was a simple but meaningful tradition that reflected their lifelong bond as sisters.
Nancy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Lee “Bob” Johnson; her parents, Milton and Marion Bogdanovic; and her older brother, William Bogdanovic.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Cathy and Tracy Christa; her son, Robert A. Johnson; her grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Jake and Kennedy Christa; her sister, Joan Otruba; and her many beloved nieces and their families. Nancy held a special place in her heart for each of her nieces, and the love she shared with them and their families was a treasured part of her life. Though miles may have separated them at times, the bonds of family and the affection she felt for each of them remained close to her heart.
Nancy’s life was enriched by the people and simple pleasures she treasured most — her family, friendships that stood the test of time, afternoons spent playing bridge, books shared with her sister, and countless baseball games and adventures with her grandson. She will be deeply missed, but the love she gave and the memories she created will remain with those fortunate enough to have shared in her life.
Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10 a.m. on Thursday, November 12, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with the Funeral Mass immediately following. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.
