Geraldine Johannsen

Geri Johannsen passed away peacefully in her home in Coronado on October 16, 2021 after a long battle with dementia. She had wonderful caregivers and family by her side at all times. She remained positive and grateful through her battle with dementia.

At the age of 19, Geri, packed up her blue Thunderbird and left her family in the Midwest to make her home in California. In 1956, She met and married her one true love, Bob Johannsen. They settled in West Covina, CA where they raised their three children. In the early 1970’s they purchased a home in Coronado. In the late 1980’s they also purchased a home in Rancho Mirage, where they were able to maintain an active social life with likeminded friends who also loved playing golf and tennis. Geri and Bob eventually made Coronado their primary residence.

Geri enjoyed staying active with sports, crafting, painting, sewing and philanthropy work. Her philanthropic work included being a founding and life member of the Assistance League of East San Gabriel Valley, Chairwoman of the Assistance League Annual Christmas Tree Auction, President of the Parent’s Association of Vine Elementary School, and the chairwoman of the hospital auxiliary’s first community wide carnival. She and Bob spent a month in Africa, while Bob donated his ophthalmology services, Geri decided to spruce up the compound by redecorating the living quarters, which included making curtains and pillows out of fabric that she bought at the local markets.

In Coronado, Geri was a member of the Coronado Women’s Golf Team and served as their treasurer. She was also a member of the Coronado Hospital Association, Wednesday Club, UCSD Town and Gown, and the Coronado Historical Foundation.

She loved to keep busy. She was actively involved in her 5 grandchildren’s lives and was careful to ensure that they always had what they needed. She was a decorator and seamstress, and used that skill for making Halloween costumes and bedding and window treatments for her family and herself. She loved to entertain and would always have a gift to give her guests upon the conclusion of the party. She will be missed by those people who knew her well.

Geri is survived by her daughter Jan MacLeod (Ken MacLeod) and son Jay Johannsen; her grandchildren: Kyle (Erin) MacLeod, Fletcher Kelsey, Chloe (Curtis) Lockwood, Kristi (David) Butterworth, Kathryn MacLeod; great grandchildren: Sam MacLeod, Enslee Butterworth, Remy Lockwood and her sister Shirley Strunk. She is predeceased by husband Robert Johannsen and daughter Jill Kelsey.