JonAnn “Wawa” Sawyer Danielson
August 18, 1963 – December 21, 2025
JonAnn Sawyer Danielson, age 62, of Cottrellville, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on December 21, 2025, surrounded by the family she so deeply loved, following a recent cancer diagnosis.
She is survived by her daughters Nicole Calamita of Algonac, MI and Carley (Denton) Cox of Canton, IL; siblings: Tina (Richard) Carrillo of Kahoka, Missouri; MaryBeth (Neil) Magovsky of Kahoka, Missouri; Leisa (Ron) Wilson of Grandview, Missouri; Sherri (Mark) Huffman of Kahoka, Missouri; and Dale (Jennifer) Fulk of Port Charlotte, Florida. She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Ethan, Amelia, Braelynn, Lucas, Thomas, Jason, Owen, Lucas, Declan, Madelyn, and Camden, along with cousins and numerous nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.
JonAnn was preceded in death by her father, Dean Sawyer of Kahoka, Missouri; her mother, Dorothy Jobst of Raleigh, North Carolina; and her beloved daughter Keri and son-in-law Michael Chipman of Cottrellville, Michigan.
JonAnn lived life to the fullest and believed life was far too short to be taken too seriously. She loved deeply, laughed often, and was a constant source of strength and support to her family and friends, offering compassion, acceptance, and unconditional love. After the heartbreaking loss of her daughter Keri and son-in-law Michael, JonAnn stepped forward without hesitation to raise their three children, embracing her role as grandmother and guardian with the same selfless devotion that defined every part of her life.
To her grandchildren, she was lovingly known as “Wawa.” As she became their guardian, that name quickly spread beyond the home. She became “Wawa” to the teams, schools, and organizations her grandchildren were part of. Whether on the sidelines, at practices, events, or gatherings, Wawa was a familiar and comforting presence, known for her support, warmth, and fierce pride in her grandchildren.
JonAnn’s greatest legacy lives in her relationships. She was the heart of her family—the rock, the steady presence, and the glue that held everyone together. She built cherished bonds with her large family, extended family, and many friends who became family by choice. Her warmth, laughter, wisdom, and steadfast support created a sense of belonging wherever she went.
Professionally, JonAnn dedicated her life to caring for others. She began her career as an EMT, then became an LVN, and ultimately a Registered Nurse. She cared for her patients with compassion, empathy, and dignity and was deeply respected by colleagues. JonAnn also mentored new nurses, shaping the standards of care and leaving a lasting impact on the next generation of healthcare professionals.
JonAnn’s life was a testament to love, resilience, and service. Known to so many simply as Wawa, she gave endlessly of herself and leaves behind a legacy of compassion, strength, and joy that will continue to live on through her family, her community, and all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Final interment for JonAnn Sawyer Danielson will take place on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. at the C.A.R.E. Building in Kahoka, Missouri, followed by a graveside service at 1:00 p.m. at Kahoka Cemetery.
