Jennifer Cody Johanson, 63, of Simsbury, CT, beloved wife of James Johanson, passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at her home with her family at her side. She was born February 20, 1953 in Hartford, CT, daughter of the late Russell Pitt and Vera (Winar) Cody. Jennifer was Valedictorian of Farmington High School, Class of 1971 and graduated with Honors from Emmanuel College in Boston, MA, Class of 1975. Jennifer and Jim remained in the Boston area for 40 years, raising their family in Natick, MA, prior to moving back to Connecticut in 2011. Jennifer was a manager with several Boston area HMOs including Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Community Health Plan for many years prior to her retirement. Jennifer had a lifelong love of animals, having adopted and fostered many cats and dogs over the years. Buddy and Gus were particular favorites. She was happiest when spending time with her family and enjoyed many summers on Cape Cod, boating on Sturbridge lakes, travelling to Napa Valley, London, Rome, and Peru among others.
Besides her husband of 41 years, she is survived by her two daughters, Lauren Johanson and her husband Philip Martin of West Newton, MA and Leah Johanson of New York, NY; her son Evan Johanson and his partner Katie Costello of Cohoes, NY and her brother, Robert Cody of Burlington, CT. She was predeceased by her step-brother, Richard S. Barnes of Bolton, CT.
The family wishes to express their sincerest appreciation to the caring staff at McLean Home Care & Hospice. Special thanks to Tonya and Kathie for their compassionate care and personal touch.
A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, January 28th at the Vincent Funeral Home, 120 Albany Turnpike in Canton, CT. Her family will receive friends prior to the memorial, starting at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to McLean Home Care & Hospice, 75 Great Pond Road, Simsbury, CT 06070, the Alzheimer’s Association, 200 Executive Blvd., Ste 4B, Southington, CT 06489, or Baypath Humane Society, 5 Rafferty Rd., Hopkinton, MA 01748. Please visit Jennifer’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.