Lavonne Johanning

Lavonne was born in Canton, OH to Francis and Madonna Johanning on May 2, 1930. Her older brother, Richard Jack, was two years old at the time and he called her “Monnie”. That name remained with her for the rest of her life.

Theirs was a close-knit family, serious and hard-working, but also generous and fun-loving. Monnie cherished family and absolutely relished the time spent together. She was one of the beautiful threads that bound us all together. A cheerleader for challenging life events, a collaborator in fun times, a delightful participant in all the joyous occasions, and a compassionate refuge during periods of sadness. A genuine friend. A treasure.

Fiercely independent, she never married. But nieces and nephews were like her children. She loved us all so tenderly in spite of our failings and faults. She may not have always agreed with some of our life choices, but she always gave us her undying love and support.

Monnie also had a passion for the arts, especially ballet and opera. She was a frequent visitor to New York City and also traveled to Chicago, San Diego, Toronto, and closer to home, Cleveland. She had high hopes for a ballerina in the family but not one of her nieces chose that path. 

Lavonne worked most of her career as the Purchasing Agent for Stark County and was known as a perfectionist by her friends and co-workers. She was a long-time member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Canton. 

Monnie was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Madonna Johanning, her brother Richard Jack Johanning, and her sister Anne Carroll. She leaves behind a brother and sister-in-law in Sarasota Florida, Thomas and Barbara Johanning, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Monnie lovingly cared for her mother, Madonna, until her death in 2002. At that time, we said Madonna was one in a million but that is now incorrect. She was one of two in a million as Monnie took her place beside her mother in heaven on December 30, 2025.

A private service will be held at a future date.