A 71-year-old woman from Milwaukee, who lived a joyful and fulfilling life with her devoted family, tragically succumbed to COVID-19 in July. Now, her loved ones are sharing her story in hopes of urging those who doubt the seriousness of the pandemic to reconsider.
Anne Marie Johnson’s family is still reeling from their devastating loss. Her niece, Sarah Thompson, shared with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the family remains in deep mourning. Anne first showed symptoms of the virus while she was quarantined at the Parkway House group home. Just a week before she fell ill, her family was allowed a brief outdoor visit, but the reality of the pandemic soon became painfully evident.
Being in quarantine was challenging for Anne, who struggled to understand why she couldn’t attend her day program. “She was always excited to see people,” Thompson reflected. “Now that she’s gone, I realize how much I took that for granted.”
Anne’s sister, Karen Phillips, noted that Anne defied many early expectations about individuals with Down Syndrome. Instead of being institutionalized, she was nurtured by a loving family and embraced by her community. “She was truly part of the village that supported her,” Phillips said.
When Anne began to feel unwell, Phillips took her to the hospital but had to leave due to COVID-19 restrictions. The rapid test confirmed her diagnosis, and although doctors were hopeful initially, her health deteriorated quickly. Alone in the hospital, Anne was confused and scared, unable to grasp the gravity of her situation.
“It felt like watching someone drown from a distance, unable to help,” Thompson expressed. After entering hospice care on July 13, her family played her favorite songs over the phone, but Anne could only be heard breathing. She passed away that evening.
The family was unable to hold a proper funeral because of the ongoing pandemic. Months later, they are still grappling with the denial of COVID-19’s severity by some members of the community. Phillips created a sign featuring Anne’s photo with the message, “COVID-19 is real!” in hopes of encouraging others to take precautions seriously.
“Losing her was like losing a treasure,” Phillips lamented, emphasizing the profound impact COVID-19 had on their family.
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- How COVID-19 impacts individuals with Down Syndrome
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In summary, Anne Marie Johnson’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the personal impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her family’s grief highlights the need for greater awareness and adherence to safety measures to protect vulnerable populations.