Johanna Madeline Gomes Speckhardt

Johanna Madeline Gomes Speckhardt, 23, of Myersville, MD, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 6, 2025, at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., with her husband, Andrew Brooke Lawson, by her side.

Born on April 28, 2001, in Arlington, VA, Johanna was the daughter of Roy Martin Speckhardt and Charlene Evelyn Gomes, and sister of Max Gomes Speckhardt. She was known for her unwavering spirit, deep compassion, and a boundless love for animals and nature.

Diagnosed with stage IV rhabdomyosarcoma at 17, Johanna never let it define her. She spent time in nature, read voraciously, created art, studied history and forensics, and rescued domestic and wild animals. Her cooking and baking brought people together, and her warmth shone whenever she hosted friends.

On December 8, 2024, Johanna married Andrew, her partner of eight years, in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by loved ones. Their bond began at the Great Frederick Fair in 2016, marking the start of a loving partnership filled with laughter and shared passions.

Johanna graduated from Middletown High School (Class of 2019) and studied history at Salisbury University and Towson University, working toward a teaching degree.

Johanna is survived by her loving husband, Andrew Brooke Lawson; mother, Charlene Evelyn Gomes; father, Roy Martin Speckhardt and stepmother, Maggie Ardiente; and brother, Max Gomes Speckhardt. 

She is also survived by grandparents Arthur and Evelyn Gomes, and Martin and Jean Speckhardt; aunts, Emily Gomes (Green), Kayleigh Gomes Sponaugle, Lisa Speckhardt, and Denise Speckhardt (Sweeney); uncles, Bryan and Michael Gomes, Martin Speckhardt, Jr., Brandon Sponaugle, and Mike Tan, and cousins Adrian, Gillian, Harrison, Jack, Sydney, and Thomas Gomes; Andy, Autumn (Graebner), and Quinn Speckhardt.

She was beloved by her husband’s parents, grandparents, and siblings, as well as her stepmother’s parents and siblings.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at Stauffer Funeral Home in Frederick, MD, with a Celebration of Life at 1:00 pm, officiated by Reverend KC Slack of the Washington Ethical Society. Interment will take place immediately after at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church Cemetery in Myersville, MD, followed by refreshments at the Myersville Volunteer Fire Hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations in Johanna’s name to Frederick Friends of Our County Animal Shelter (https://ffocas.org/) or Barn Cat Buddies (http://www.barncatbuds.org/), honoring her devotion to animal welfare.

Johanna’s compassion, kindness, and joy will remain an enduring gift to all who knew her.