Patsy "Pat" Muriel Johansen

Patsy was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on January 4, 1937, to Walter Joseph Phillips and Muriel Grace Lomax Phillips. She spent her early childhood with her parents and big sister, Carol, on Hollywood Avenue before the family moved to Sheridan Road when Patsy was six. It was a wonderful place to grow up — open fields stretched all the way to St. Mary’s of the Wasatch. There was a creek to play in, and the days were filled with lizards, grasshoppers, toads, meadowlarks, quail, and butterflies. Patsy’s beloved dog, Daisy May, was always by her side. Summers were often spent vacationing at Brighton and Como Springs, creating joyful memories that lasted a lifetime.

As a child, Patsy loved roller skating, playing hopscotch, jump rope, jacks, riding bikes, and neighborhood games like kick the can and hide-and-seek. Her best friend was Carolyn Jennings, and together they shared a magical childhood that Patsy often described as a paradise. She spoke often and lovingly of her parents and the happy home they created.

Holidays were always a cherished time, usually spent at Grandma and Grandpa Lomax’s house with aunts, uncles, and cousins. Her cousin Kelly was especially close — not just family, but a lifelong best friend. Patsy carried those holiday traditions into her own family, making each celebration special through decorating, cooking, and thoughtful touches her children will never forget.

In 1955, Patsy married her high school sweetheart, Kurt William Johansen. Together they raised five children — three boys and two girls — and welcomed many well-loved dogs over the years. Patsy was the kind of mother every child hopes for: loving, supportive, nurturing, and completely devoted. She encouraged her children in everything they did and made them feel truly seen and loved.

Family adventures were a way of life. There were countless boat trips to Lake Powell, Flaming Gorge, and Willard Bay. All the kids learned to water ski and snow ski. Life was good, shared through all the years with Kurt.

Patsy served faithfully in her church community, including as a counselor in two Primary presidencies and later as Primary President. It was a meaningful time in her life, filled with service and close friendships.

One of Patsy's greatest passions was music. She had a deep love for jazz and sing-along artists like Louis Armstrong (whom she saw twice) and Nat King Cole. She was a proud member of the Salt Lake Jazz Society, a season ticket holder to Jazz at the Sheraton, and a regular at The Garage on Beck, where she enjoyed watching Joe McQueen perform. Music was a special bond between Patsy and her firstborn son, Keven, who became a professional jazz guitarist and professor of jazz history at The University of Utah.

Patsy and her daughters traveled to New Orleans twice, where her love of music was on full display. She knew the lyrics to every song and sang along with joy and confidence. Everyone who met her adored her.

Patsy Johansen was truly one of a kind — the best mom anyone could ask for. Her warmth and generosity touched everyone who knew her. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit lives on in the music of her era and in the memories she gave to all who loved her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son Keven (Elaine) and daughter Shawna. Survived by her husband, Kurt, who lovingly cared for her throughout their 70+ years of marriage; her children Aaron (Cathrine), Linda (John), Scott (Cortney); son-in-law Bill Blount; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on Sunday, October 19, at 10:00 AM *Dress is Smart Casual

Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3401 S Highland Dr, Millcreek, UT 84106