Obituary of Barbara J. Johnsen

Barbara J. Johnsen, 91, of Cazenovia, passed away November 3, 2024. She was born February 21, 1933 in Fort Madison, Iowa to Lloyd and Genevieve Peter Parrish, and was raised in Lakeland, Florida. After graduating from Florida Southern College, she attended Boston University, where she earned her Master’s in Education. Following graduation, Barbara traveled to California to accept a job teaching high school English and Social Studies in Huntington Beach. She soon met the love of her life, Jim Johnsen, and was married two months later. They moved to Cazenovia in 1979, where Barbara resided at her beloved home at the time of her death. Barbara’s magnetic personality and southern charm filled the room. She adored her grandkids and granddog, and she loved Cazenovia Lake. She was an avid traveler and visited all seven continents. Barbara was a communicant of St. James Church, and served as Vice President of the New York State League of Women Voters and longtime member of the local League. Barbara is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Holly and Thomas Hoehner of Fayetteville, and by her grandchildren, James and Andrew. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, James C. Johnsen in 1999. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Friday, November 15, 2024 in St. James Church, 6 Green Street in Cazenovia. Interment will follow in St. James Cemetery. Contributions in Barbara’s memory may be made to The Loretto Foundation. Condolences may be left at www.michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.