Penfield native dies after boat crash in Chicago

Rochester, N.Y. — A Penfield native died on Friday after a boat crash in Chicago. The family of Johanna Hardwood Gregory, 26, confirmed her passing to 13WHAM News on Tuesday. Johanna was a 2017 graduate of Penfield High School. She went on to pursue an education in occupational therapy at Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania, and had been working as a pediatric occupational therapist at the time of her death. She is survived by her parents, sister, brother, and extended family. In a statement, the parents of Johanna, Heidi Schult Gregory and Douglas Gregory, said: Johanna was our heart. She loved deeply and never missed a chance to tell those around her how much they meant to her. Johanna was innately empathetic, with a rare ability to connect effortlessly with others. She was a standout volleyball player at Penfield High School and Gannon University - contributing to a state championship and on the NCAA stage. She built a beautiful life in Chicago after growing up in Penfield, NY, and surrounded herself with a wide, close-knit circle of friends who shared a truly special bond. She was a devoted pediatric occupational therapist who loved her work, her clients, and their families. The number of notes and messages from the parents of the children she worked with has been overwhelming - a testament to the impact she made each and every day in the lives of the children she served. Johanna will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was the very best of us. The world has lost a truly beautiful soul. Johanna's obituary can be found here .