June 26, 1970 – April 7, 2019
Johanna Marie Olsson was born on June 26, 1970 in New York City. She was the eldest daughter of Dolores and Bo Olsson, and the middle sibling of Lennart and Kerstin.
Johanna grew up in Woodside, Queens and attended St. Teresa’s School from nursery school through eighth grade. She went to St. Vincent Ferrer High School in Manhattan, a tight-knit school on Manhattan’s upper east side. She was a great friend to many, and friendly to everyone. Her Ferrer roots ran deep, and throughout her life she remained in touch with her Ferrer Sisters, supporting them and cheering them on. While at Ferrer, Johanna worked after school as an office assistant for Drs. Romoff and Yale, an OB/GYN practice on Park Avenue. Johanna enjoyed the doctors and staff she worked with, and loved working in the medical environment. She worked in the practice throughout high school, and during her college breaks and summers.
After graduating from St. Vincent Ferrer in 1988, Johanna went on to college at SUNY Plattsburgh. She was an English major, and a proud member of Delta Phi Epsilon sorority, Epsilon class. She was very active in sorority life, and always had a smile and something nice to say. She cherished her sorority sisters and the times they shared, and remained in close contact after graduation and throughout her life.
Upon college graduation in 1992, Johanna returned home to New York City and decided to work full-time for Drs. Romoff and Yale. She took on more and more responsibility in the office, and started more patient interaction by becoming certified as a phlebotomist. After many years working with the doctors, Johanna decided to advance her career in the medical field and began attending Physician’s Assistant school in the evening.
During this time, Johanna met Steve Gilbert whom she dated long-term, and then moved to Staten Island to live with. The couple were married in an intimate ceremony in New York City on February 3, 2001. Johanna always wanted to be a mother, and not long after her wedding she started her family. Johanna and Steve had two beautiful daughters together, Alayne Charlotte (2002) and Victoria Rose (2007).
In 2007, Johanna earned her Physician Assistant degree and immediately began her career at Elmhurst Hospital as part of the Emergency Room staff. Johanna had a reputation for being smart, kind, and helpful and was beloved by all her colleagues at Elmhurst Hospital. She was a mentor to younger PA’s, and recently spoke to local youth at a career day about the Physician Assistant profession. She loved being a PA, and remained at Elmhurst Hospital for the remainder of her career.
Johanna was active in her Staten Island community, Christ Church, the PTA, and had a village of friends she held dear. Her circle of friends came from all walks of life that adored her. She was an active PTA board member and chairperson of the SLT for PS 45, in addition to volunteering for many events at CSI HS. Johanna was a strong presence in her daughters’ education, advocating not only for her own children but also for the benefit of all the students in her community. Johanna loved live music, dogs, reading, movies, and enjoying good food. And mostly, she loved to travel. She traveled wide and far to many places in her younger years: Dominican Republic, Antiqua, London, Key West, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Nantucket, and Napa Valley were some of her most loved places. However, Johanna was never happier than when she was with her daughters, and she enjoyed sharing her love of travel with them. Recent vacations to Disney World, London, and Paris were very special for her.
Last year, Johanna was widowed when she lost her husband, Steve, suddenly. Johanna was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2013, and fought a long and hard fight. Unfortunately, Johanna lost her battle with cancer on April 7, 2019, and the world will not be the same without her.
Johanna is survived by daughters Alayne and Victoria, parents Dolores and Bo Olsson, mother-in-law Sheila Gilbert, siblings Lennart and Kerstin Olsson, sister-in-law Melissa Zavala, nieces and nephews: Erik, Nicholas, Kara, and Zachary Stroh; and Amelia and Harold Olsson, as well as many many friends.
Visitation is at Harmon Homes Friday, April 12th 7-9pm, and Saturday, April 13th 3-7pm.
A memorial service will take place at Christ Church on Staten Island after Easter.
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