Judy I-Wha Shao Johnson

Judy I-Wha Shao-Johnson
 
December 28, 1976 — March 26, 2024
 
Judy Shao-Johnson, 47, of Kalamazoo, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2024. She was born on December 28, 1976, to Nancy and Richard in Taipei, Taiwan.
 
Judy was an advocate, healer, artist, and Reiki Master. She was known for her community and volunteer work. She received an award for her volunteer work at the Red Cross. She had volunteered for Recovery Institute, Twelve Baskets Food Pantry as an advocate for women in senior citizen homes, at animal shelters, and at many other places. Judy led a wonderful Meditation class at Recovery Institute for a few years.
 
Judy was an artist and loved making jewelry. She volunteered at the Mental Health Fair as a vendor. She would have necklaces, bracelets & earrings made with crystals, and she talked about what they do for you. A friend said she gave away more than she sold. 
 
Judy loved to go to the beach on Lake Michigan, especially in South Haven, St. Joe, and Saugatuck. She enjoyed traveling. Judy was a cook and a foodie. She loved trying new restaurants.
 
Judy was very social and liked to talk to everyone she met. She made friends everywhere she went. She liked to attend local events such as the Art Hop, festivals, Meet Ups, events at the Expo Center and the Farmer's Market. She had many friends who became her family (her biological family are all quite far away) and created a network of support here in Kalamazoo. 
 
Judy married Ryan Johnson on June 7th, 2019. They met at Recovery Institute. Judy enjoyed traveling with her husband to Philadelphia to see his family, try new restaurants and visit attractions along the way. Interests they had in common were traveling, eating out and watching sports.

Ryan says that he turned Judy into a bit of a Lions fan & a Michigan fan!
 
She is survived by her husband, Ryan Johnson; her parents, Richard and Nancy; honorary sister, Sarah Smucker; sisters, Christine and Jen, and niece, Peyton. She will be missed by all.