Leslie Ruth (Whitman) Johanson, 93, of Natick, died peacefully in the care and comfort of her family on December 23, 2022 following a period of declining health.
She was born in Airmont, Loudon County, Virginia on the family farm on March 10, 1929 the daughter of the late Wilbur O. Whitman and Frances Earle (Robey) Whitman.
She was the devoted wife for 69 years of the late Carl G. Johanson who died on March 26, 2019.
Leslie was the beloved and loving mother of Ernest G. Johanson and his wife Polly Anne of San Gabriel, CA; Ingrid L. Lentz and her husband Derek of Reno, NV; David M. Johanson and his wife Nanci of Norfolk, NY; Lisa M. McLaughlin and her late husband Richard, who died on April 21, 2022, of Upton and Andrew E. Johanson of Milford. Also survived by 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
Leslie spent her formative years on the family farm in Virginia. She has resided in Natick since 1953 and was active in the community. She attended the Baltimore Conservatory of Music and studied voice. She was an accomplished vocalist and Soprano singer. In the 1970’s, she was the Choir Director of the Cherub, Youth and Adult Choirs at the Community United Methodist Church in Cochituate.
For many years she and Carl were active members of the Trinitarian Congregational Church in Wayland and volunteered their time and talents to the church.
She will be fondly remembered for her devotion to Carl and the love she shared with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Visitations will be held on Thursday, December 29, 2022 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the John C. Bryant Funeral Home, 56 Pemberton Road (off Rt 30), Cochituate Village, Wayland.
A Graveside service will be held on Friday, December 30, 2022 at 10:00 am at the Johanson family lot in Lakeview Cemetery, 80 Commonwealth Road (Rt 30), Wayland followed by a Celebration of her Life at 11:00 am at the funeral home. All are welcome to attend.
A Service of Remembrance will be held at Trinitarian Congregational Church in January 2023 at a time and date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, her family kindly suggests gifts in Leslie’s memory may be sent to Buddy Dog Humane Society, Inc, 151 Boston Post Rd, Sudbury, MA 01776 or www.buddydoghs.com/donate.