Holly G. Johanson Of East Hampton Dies At 84

Holly G. Johanson

Holly G. Johanson, a resident of East Hampton for more than 55 years, died on December 5 from complications of a stroke suffered a few weeks earlier. She was 84.

Born on July 29, 1926, in Schnectady, to Mabel Holly Grinter and Mearl Grinter, she grew up in Scotia, New York, and graduated from Scotia High School in 1944. She went on to graduate from the State University of New York at Cortland, earning a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a master’s degree in elementary education. She then went on to teach physical education in Utica for six years.

In 1954 she married Carl Johanson, the first principal of the East Hampton Middle School. She taught fourth grade for two years and physical education for one year in the East Hampton School District. She also coached tennis and girls high school basketball. After leaving full-time teaching to raise her four children, she continued as substitute teacher for the next 30 years at Montauk, Amagansett, East Hampton, Sag Harbor, Southampton, Springs and Wainscott school districts.

In addition, Ms. Johanson was a nursery Sunday School teacher at the East Hampton Methodist Church for several years and a Cub Scout pack leader for three years with her eldest son’s troop. Also a member of the East Hampton Chapter of the American Cancer Society, she was a transportation chairperson for cancer patients for many years. She was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels; a member of the Ladies Village Improvement Society (LVIS) of East Hampton, volunteering in its Bargain Books store; and a member of both the Eastern Gate Garden Club and Horticultural Alliance of the Hamptons.

From 1956 to the mid-1980s Mrs. Johanson ran a guesthouse to supplement the family income during the summer months. Many guests returned year after year and became good friends of the Johansons. After Mr. Johanson retired the couple enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and many countries. Family said that Ms. Johanson was devoted to her family and her grandchildren, her greatest joy.

She is survived by her two daughters, Heidi Johanson of East Hampton and Kelly Ann Pike of Southampton; two sons, Kurt Johanson of East Hampton and Carl Johanson Jr. of Oakdale; two sisters, Audrey Yacos of Woodstock and Marilyn Canoll of Kingston; eight grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband in 2007.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, December 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., at the Yardley and Pino Funeral Home in East Hampton. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 11, at 1 p.m., also at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Cedar Lawn Cemetery in East Hampton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Memorial Tree Fund at LVIS, 95 Main Street, East Hampton, NY 11937, or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 102454, Atlanta, GA 30368-2454 would be appreciated by the family.