In Loving Memory of
Tanya Michelle Johnson
of Seattle, Washington
10/24/1970 – 10/28/2025
Tanya was born on October 24, 1970, in Big Spring, Texas, to Tim and Anita Smith. Her father’s service as an Air Force officer took the family briefly to Pensacola, Florida; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Great Falls, Montana. They settled in Seattle when Tanya was four. She attended kindergarten and first grade at BF Day Elementary in Fremont and then moved to Vashon Island where she spent the rest of her elementary and middle school years. Tanya had a great fondness for the island culture of Vashon, and she carried it with her through the rest of her life. Midway through high school, she moved to West Seattle to attend Kennedy High School, graduating in 1988.
Tanya earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington graduating magna cum laude and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa in 1993. She pursued legal studies at Georgetown and then returned to the University of Washington School of Law (graduating in 1997) and passed the Washington State Bar in 1999. Her legal career was brief, however, as she found her deepest calling in family life and community service. She met Carl Johnson, the love of her life, at the Triangle Tavern in Fremont. Tanya and Carl were married on February 2, 2002, in Seattle.
Tanya was the devoted wife to Carl, and the mother of Olivia Johnson (22) and Timmy Johnson (19). As a stay-at-home mom and active school volunteer, she poured her time, energy, and love into raising and supporting her children. Her devotion to family extended into every part of her life.
Tanya enjoyed spending her time cultivating her herb garden that she harvested to use in her savored cooking for the family; ruthlessly competing in games (gin was her favorite); and diving deep into Bob Dylan music and lyrics.
An animal lover to her core, Tanya always shared her home with either a cat or dog. Her most recent animal companion was Ozzy, a beloved Jackschund. She also enjoyed visiting hospital patients with her previous dog, Rocky, who was trained as a therapy dog. She cared deeply for animals and for vulnerable people, and she passionately worked to support those causes benefiting them in many ways. Tanya gave legal support to CASA, volunteered at her children’s schools (Jane Addams, Hazel Wolf, and The Evergreen School), and most recently offered her time and compassion at the Jubilee Women’s Center. Anyone wishing to make a donation in her memory to Jubilee Women’s Center may do so at this link: https://jwcenter.org/donate/
Tanya’s warmth, steadfast devotion, and quiet strength enriched the lives of those around her. Her deep empathy and humble intellect gave her the wisdom to subtly guide those around her to be better and happier people. She will be remembered for her generosity; her love for her children and family; and her unwavering commitment to causes that helped women, children, and animals.
She is survived by her husband, Carl Johnson; her children, Olivia and Timmy Johnson; her parents, Tim and Anita Smith; and other family and friends who cherished her.
A memorial service will be held in summer of 2026 to honor Tanya’s memory. Details will be shared here and on her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/tanya.smith.johnson when available.
