Facing life fearlessly

Deepa Bharath

Johanna Armentrout always knew what she wanted in life.

She went after it and made sure she got it.

Johanna was born in Cleveland, Ohio. She had a rough childhood,

but she had her sisters, especially her twin Jeraldine, who was her

best friend in times of crisis. They remained best friends throughout

her life.

She married her high school sweetheart, but that union didn’t

last. After her divorce, Johanna moved to California in 1980, closer

to her twin and another sister, Pat.

Johanna got a job at an executive search firm, where she remained

employed until her retirement about five years ago. She remarried in

1987.

Johanna had a thirst for knowledge and seemed to be on a perpetual

quest for perfection. She joined the local chapter of Toastmasters

International. She wanted to be a better speaker. What she did one

day, she wanted to do better the next day. That was her mantra.

She read a lot. She enjoyed Greek mythology and reading about

philosophy. During her last days, she was reading William

Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar.

Johanna loved theater and was a regular at the South Coast

Repertory Theater. She enjoyed the finer things in life -- opera,

fine furniture, Rolex watches, diamonds.

Her family enjoyed her cooking, which was both healthy and

innovative. Trader Joe’s was her favorite store. She’d buy a frozen

rice entree and add her own touch to it. She’d throw in peppers or

vegetables.

She outdid herself during the holidays. Christmas was the most

special time of the year for Johanna. Right from the tree to the

table settings and the cooking, she went all out. She made her

signature dishes, such as ham stuffed with minced meat.

Johanna was a health nut. She ate healthy. She never missed

exercise. Johanna walked her two dogs every single day. Even at the

holiday table, amid the deserts, she’d introduce something healthy,

like quinoa.

Johanna was also an avid shopper. She’d hit the big sales in the

local malls. Her favorite store was Nordstrom Rack. Johanna was

enthusiastic about gardening as well. She bought her seeds and

supplies at Armstrong Garden Center and loved growing roses, heather,

rosemary and beautiful trees in her garden.

Johanna rarely laughed out aloud. She didn’t have much of a sense

of humor. She was a serious person. But she did smile a lot, and she

had a dazzling smile. Johanna was a beautiful woman. She had high

cheekbones, green eyes and perfect teeth.

She had a wonderful relationship with her twin sister, Jeraldine.

They were different in many ways, but shared an unbreakable bond.

They did many things together. But most of all, they just talked. On

the phone and in person. They would chat for hours -- about their

lives, husbands, clothes, shopping -- just about anything.

Johanna was diagnosed with cancer a little more than six years

ago. She underwent treatment and seemed to be recovering, but had a

relapse last year. Chemotherapy, radiation and even a surgery

couldn’t help her live this time. But even through all that pain and

suffering, Johanna didn’t complain.

She was a trooper. She was tough. It was just the kind of person

Johanna was.