Mirjam Anneli Johnson

It is with deep love that we announce the passing of Mirjam Anneli Johnson (most commonly known as Anneli) who peacefully departed this life on June 24, 2025, surrounded by family, at the remarkable age of 99. A devoted mother of five, and mother figure to many more, she lived for her family and their wellbeing. Anneli was a gift to the world. She was beautiful, spunky, smart, and loved by everyone who met her. She influenced countless people during her nearly century of life.

Anneli was born on January 26, 1926 in Ahtari, Vaasa, Finland to Arvo Eelis Heinio and Ensi Ester Heikkila. She married Delmar Phillip Johnson on March 19, 1965 in the Salt Lake Temple. They were married for 24 years before Delmar passed away on May 14, 1989.

Anneli grew up in Finland where she learned resilience starting in her early years. As a teenager in the 1940’s, she insisted on playing on an all-boys hockey team and later served in the Finnish military during the Winter War with Russia. Whether promoting the creation of bomb shelters, narrowly escaping enemy attacks or working on the front lines of Finland's defense Anneli never wavered. She consistently found ways to overcome obstacles, create change, and forge a better future wherever it was needed.

It was the resilience she learned, as a young girl, that helped her as a single mother of three young daughters overcome many obstacles in order to leave Finland and move to the United States in 1963. She came with a dream and drive to make a new life for herself and her children and to cultivate her relationship with God. Shortly after moving to the United States she met her sweetheart Delmar.

Anneli was a converted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served many callings over the years. She loved and cherished the temple and continued attending the temple up until months before her passing. Anneli dedicated countless hours throughout her life to working on her family history even well into her later years. She would frequent the Family History Library in Salt Lake and enjoyed learning about her ancestors and doing their temple work. Anneli had an amazing relationship with her Heavenly Father and lived with great faith.

Delmar and Anneli spent their married years living in Holladay, Utah with Anneli’s three daughters and Delmar’s son. Delmar formally adopted Anneli’s three daughters and they were all sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they had another daughter, Lenette, in 1966. Delmar and Anneli loved to travel around the world and visited family in Finland frequently. They loved their joined family and would often go camping and take trips to Lake Powell.

Anneli became a licensed Master Esthetician in Finland and was an expert in the field.

The transformation of licensing in the world of esthetics in the United States owes its thanks, in part, to Anneli. She brought the skill and mastery of her profession to the United States and shared it with others. She spent her life, well into her nineties, caring for many people through her profession and formed lifelong friendships. It might be said of Anneli that she is full of “sisu”, which is a Finnish word that describes determination, stamina and grit.

In addition to her great love for esthetics, Anneli loved puzzles, card games, the outdoors and plants. She had such a green thumb that people would bring their stressed plants to her to revive.

Anneli is survived by her son, Steve (Jolene), daughters, Liisa (Rick), Leena and Lenette (Randy), as well as 19 grandchildren, 62 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. She is preceded in death by her love, Delmar, her daughter, Annele, and her grandsons; Casey and Tanner.

A viewing will be held Monday, June 30th at the church Anneli attended at 2080 E 5165 S in Holladay, Utah from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. An additional viewing will be held Tuesday, July 1, 2025 from 10:00 am to 10:40 am at the same location. Funeral services honoring her will follow the Tuesday viewing at 11:00 am. Interment will be at the Elysian Gardens Cemetery next to her beloved sweetheart and eternal companion.