Anita Louise Fiala Johnson

Anita Louise Fiala JohnsonPassed away July 5, 2025

Anita Louise Fiala Johnson passed away on July 5, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and generosity. Born in Chicago and a proud Georgian since 1985, Anita was affectionately known as “Grammy” to everyone—whether by family ties or simply by heart.

A true lover of animals, Anita especially adored her Shih Tzu, Scout, who rarely left her side. She was known for her kind spirit, quick wit, and warm heart—never meeting a stranger and always ready with a smile, a story, or a Werther’s candy from her purse.

Anita had a deep passion for Corvettes, a legendary love of Waffle House breakfasts, and a lifelong obsession with Snoopy and cartoons. Her joy for life extended into dance—she could Polka like no other—and into music, spending her final days listening to 70’s hits, laughing with family about childhood memories, and cuddling her Snoopy plush.

She was proud of her roots in Calumet City, Illinois, where she attended TF North High School and was a cheerleader at Our Lady of Knock Catholic School. She worked at the Carpenters Union in Chicago, later at Sweet Pepper Restaurant in the 1980s, and eventually at Dun & Bradstreet in Atlanta, Georgia.

Anita defied the odds and bravely lived for many years after complications from a botched sinus surgery, showing strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Anita’s light and warmth touched everyone she met. She never hesitated to give her last dime to someone in need and always had a thoughtful card ready to brighten someone’s day. Her caring nature, joyful laugh, and generous heart will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Beth DeFazio, and son-in-law, Joe DeFazio, of Dallas, GA; her grandsons, Peyton Duncan of Issaquah, WA, and Spencer Duncan of Boca Raton, FL; her brother, Patrick Fiala, and his wife, Nikki, of Cape Coral, FL; her bonus daughter, Judi Harvey of Port Charlotte, FL; and many beloved cousins in Illinois and surrounding areas.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Marcella Lisiecki of Calumet City, IL; her father, Rudy Fiala of Cape Coral, FL; her cherished Busia (grandmother); and many loving and amazing aunts and uncles.

A service to celebrate Anita’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue in Kennesaw, GA: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3QN2QE3RS2WSY