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Even though it has been more than a week, we are still in shock and completely devastated. On January 3, two state troopers came to our door to let us know that Matt’s brother and best friend Adam, our sister-in-law Elizabeth, and our niece Jane Johanson were killed in a tragic car accident just outside of Amarillo, TX. They joined their son/brother Jack in heaven, but left behind Megan, Alec, and Charlotte. Jane was just baptized at the end of December.
The support of the gofundme has been a huge comfort to the entire family.
Matt and I drove ourselves and our kids to Las Vegas this past week to help his parents with funeral planning, and to be an additional support to Megan, Alec, and Charlotte as they transition to their new guardians. While I don’t think the blog is a good place to go over the ins and outs of how the children are doing (they need and deserve privacy), I will say that they are extremely strong and resilient. They have an army of family to love and watch over them. Nothing could replace their parents, but they will be very loved. We will treasure the time we had with them this past week.
Often this past week, I thought about texting Elizabeth something cute her kids were doing or about some random thought, and then I had to re-realize that I can’t text her anymore.
Funeral Information
We invite everyone to celebrate in the lives of Adam, Elizabeth and Jane by attending a viewing to be held on Friday, January 18, 2019 from 5:30-9:00 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 7670 S. Bruce Street, Las Vegas, NV 89123. Funeral services for Adam, Elizabeth and Jane will be held Saturday, January 19th at 10:00 am at the same location.
Obituaries
Adam Johanson Obituary:
Elizabeth Johanson Obituary:
Jane Johanson Obituary:
Their loss is so unimaginable that we are still trying to process the new reality. I’ve been trying to put the loss into my own words, but I can’t yet. Everything feels unreal still.
We will continue to rely on your prayers in the coming days.
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Mary, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this tender time. It is touching to know that they were able to express their faith and testimonies through their words and actions so shortly before they left this earth. Thank you for sharing their inspirational lives with us.
Thank you 🙂
Continued HUGS <3 PRAYERS
Thank you, Diane!
So much love to your whole family as you process this tragedy.
The testimony I have of eternal families has sustained me through many difficulties and hard days. I pray for your hearts to have peace.
Thank you so much.
Mary. These obituaries are as touching as can be. It made me sorry that I had missed out on knowing these wonderful humans in this life. Definitely on my carpe diem for the next. What beautiful tributes. I am struck by just how many people in your families, at the University, in Nevada, Mississippi, etc. who are missing your Elizabeth, Adam and Jane tonight. My deepest condolances. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Much Love– Valerie
Thank you, friend. You are so kind. Miss you.
Dearest Mary,
For every heartfelt contribution, prayer and loving word, there are ten others unexpressed but sent to our Savior, that some measure of comfort will be given to each broken heart. Some things will never be understood in this life, but for each of you who loved this dear family, loving thoughts and prayers will be a long time coming.
Thank you so much, Ruth!
My deepest sympathies to you and your family at this very difficult time. What a terrible tragedy for your family. My heart goes out to the children they left behind. So glad to know they will be moved and cared for so well. My every day get a little bit easier for everyone. Hugs to you.❤❤❤❤
Thank you so much Debi. I really appreciate it.
Many hugs and prayers. The obituaries are beautiful.
Thank you so much!
I am so sorry for this loss, Mary. I can’t even imagine. Prayers for Megan, Alec, and Charlotte, and for your entire family.
Thanks so much, Jenny.
What beautiful tributes to your precious family members. Thank you for sharing these glimpses into their lives.
I’m continuing to pray for you, Matt and your family.
xoxo
Thanks so much, Suzy.
I just found your blog by pure chance and was reading your post on compounded grief and had to read more about your family you lost. I was shocked to see that they were the family our little town of Cleveland, Mississippi lost. Their loss certainly left a huge hole in our community. I am sorry I didn’t know them personally but had many friends who knew them well and were so grieved. Sending warm thoughts your way. I still hate this happened.
Oh wow, that’s so nice to hear. And I’ve been to your cute little town while we visited them. I know they loved it there and felt like they were really settling in. I still miss them every day.