Beth E. Johansen

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Beth E. Johansen passed away on November 11, 2016 after a lengthy illness. She died peacefully in her Saratoga Springs home of 40 years with her husband Michael White by her side. She was 65. Beth was born in Jamaica, NY and grew up in Lindenhurst, NY. She attended SUNY Albany, class of 1972 and earned a Master’s Degree from Albany Medical College in 1984. She worked as a medical laboratory technician at several labs including Glens Falls Hospital. For 25 years, she was a Clinical Laboratory Inspector for the New York State Department of Health. Beth was an avid gardener, and treasured the hours she spent tending her beautiful garden. An enthusiastic hiker, camper, skier, kayaker, ornithologist and botanist, she was known for her habit of carrying multiple books on hikes for identifying flowers along the trail. She loved sharing her outdoor experiences, most notably in the high peaks of the Adirondacks, with her son, husband, friends, and fellow members of the Adirondack Mountain Club. Beth was a peace activist and member of the Saratoga Peace Alliance and often joined the group for their weekly peace vigil outside of the Broadway Post Office. She served as Chair of the Saratoga County Green Party for more than a decade, and participated in many grassroots efforts for making a better world. Beth and her husband were active members of the Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs and she practiced meditation with the Albany Tendai Buddhist group. She is survived by her husband and their son Sean Haggerty. She is also survived by her brother Mark Johansen (Lynn Taormina), brother Paul Johansen (Jean Maddaloni), and sister Ellen Johansen (Howard Harris), as well as eleven nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, neighbors and local community. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 2 p.m. Contributions can be made in Beth’s memory to Community Hospice of Saratoga Springs and the Adirondack Mountain Club.