Mary (Govone) Johansson, 94, of Leesburg, Florida, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 24, 2023 surrounded by her paintings and family photos. Born in East Sandwich, MA on February 17, 1929, Mary was the daughter of the late Henry and Annie (0’Toole) Govone.
Mary graduated from Rogers High School, Newport, RI in 1947 and attended the Rhode island College of Education. In 1951 she married John Lennart Johansson, and they moved to Rantoul Il, then to Amarillo TX, per John’s orders from the Air Force. While John served with the Air Force in South Korea, Mary returned to Newport with their daughter Cristal. Upon John’s discharge from the Air Force, they moved to Marlborough CT in 1954 where they lived for 48 years.
Mary went on to earn a Bachelor of Education degree from Eastern Connecticut State College. She taught first in Colchester, then for 20 years at Hebron Elementary School, Hebron CT, before retiring in 1990.
She was a lover of flowers, which was evident in her many beautiful gardens. She enjoyed having family and friends gather at their lakeside home and proudly supported her children and grandchildren in their pursuits. She was a talented artist, painting in watercolor, acrylic and oil mediums. She was also known for tole painting on wood which has graced many homes.
Mary and John moved to Portland CT in 2002 where they made many friends and were involved in community groups and activities. After John’s passing in 2011 Mary moved to Covenant Village of Cromwell in 2013. There she developed new friendships and continued with her painting as well as participating in activities at CVOC for the last 10 years.
In addition to her husband John and her parents, Mary was predeceased by her brother, Henry Govone and sister, Irene Libby. She is survived by her children, Cristal Johansson Brown of Danville VT, David Johansson and wife Elizabeth of Leesburg FL, Teresa (Johansson) Spooner and husband Thomas of Lynchburg VA. /so grandchildren Joshua Brown and wife Elizabeth Dollhopf-Brown of Hanover NH, Dr. Aaron Brown, PhD of Chicago IL, Zachariah Brown of Danville VT, Kristopher Johansson and wife Sara of Clermont FL, Kara (Johansson) Farmer and husband Benjamin of Orlando FL, Dr. Timothy Spooner DO and wife Kara of Lynchburg, VA. She leaves five great-grandchildren, number six arriving in Feb 2024, and many nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are being made by Doolittle Funeral Home in Middletown CT and Page-Theus Funeral Home Leesburg, FL. A celebration of Mary’s life will take place in the spring of 2024. Mary will be laid to rest beside her husband John, at the Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown CT.
Donations may be made in Mary’s memory to VITAS hospice of Florida who helped in providing loving care for the last 2 months of her life.
VITAS Health Care
6909 Old Highway #441 Suite 105
Mt. Dora, FL. 32757
