Anne Johnson Obituary

Anne Randall Johnson

1957-2013 Anne Randall Johnson died early on Christmas Eve 2013, in her home in Brattleboro, Vermont, after a long illness. She was cheered by the support of her local friends and family, as well as by a network of friends and colleagues around the world, in her courageous last months and weeks. Anne was born in Philadelphia in 1957, and while growing up spent many wonderful summers on Ames Hill in Brattleboro. She obtained her first summer job as an elf at Santa's Land in Putney, Vermont. After graduating from Oberlin College, Ohio, and working briefly in museum education in Brooklyn, New York, she joined a volunteer English-language teaching program in Egypt, where she confirmed her life-long love of travel and exploring other cultures. When Anne returned to the United States, in 1983, she was determined to pursue international work. She obtained master's degrees from the University of Texas at Austin (for Middle East Studies), and the School for International Training, in Brattleboro, Vermont (for Intercultural Management). These degrees helped prepare her for her chosen field of international humanitarian assistance and development. For more than 20 years, she worked primarily overseas managing a range of projects with various international, non-profit agencies. She worked to help impoverished villages in the West Bank and Gaza to increase their incomes though micro-finance, organized emergency agricultural relief supply for Bosnia during their civil war, and promoted rural cottage industries for Egyptian women living in reclaimed desert areas. She did two assignments in Nigeria to help increase farming communities' income through better marketing of agricultural products. After 2001 she focused more on community development initiatives in Serbia and Afghanistan, encouraging cooperation between local governments and citizens' groups to deliver services such as improved roads and water supplies. In addition to making a difference in the lives of countless people, Anne derived great fulfillment and enjoyment from the many intercultural friendships and work teams she formed as a result of this work Anne met her beloved husband Geoffrey Dolman when they worked together in Alexandria, Egypt, and they were married in Vermont in 1998. After 12 years of working overseas together, the couple moved to Vermont in 2011 to begin a farming venture. They felt very fortunate to find a farm for sale near Anne's immediate family, who had all moved full time to Vermont in earlier decades. Anne continued to support the work of international non-profit organizations, working remotely from their new Roselily Farm home on Ames Hill. After her many years overseas, Anne's family felt very blessed to have her nearby for her last two years and to be able to support her in her illness. She is survived by her husband Geoffrey Dolman, her parents Allison and Homer Johnson and her brother Philip Johannson, his wife Joan Carey and their children Ferne and Erik Johansson. A memorial service will be arranged at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Anne's name may be sent to Partners for Development (www.pfd.org), 8630 Fenton Street, Suite 613, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

Published by Brattleboro Reformer on Dec. 30, 2013.
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Bless you lovely cousin.

Katherine Christ-Janer

Family

December 25, 2022

I only knew briefly but her energy was undeniably caring, positive, warm..and beautiful. Holding her in my heart today on this Christmas Eve. Rest Easy Anne.

Katherine Christ-Janer

Family

December 24, 2021

How time flies! Anne, The Poor and the Vulnerable in Nigeria will forever remember you for your exellent charity works. Your memory will continue to be with your former colleagues in Nigeria for your charismatic and eventful leadership. You are physically gone but your legacies live on.
Our thoughts are with your family on this anniversary of your demise.
Rest on, Humble and Distinguished Mother of the Poor.

Emmanuel Itodo

Emmanuel Itodo

Coworker

December 25, 2019

Dear Anne, I can't believe it's been this long since you've been gone. The other day I played two voicemail messages that I never deleted off my phone and it was like you were there. Sending Heavenly Love and Prayers always to you and your lovely mother. My mom has now joined you both in the beautiful beyond. In the spirit of Christmas, you cousin Kathy.

Katherine Christ-Janer

Family

December 24, 2019

On the anniversary of Anne's passing, we all still miss her but remember what a blessing she was to the world. Linda Giles

Linda Giles

Classmate

December 24, 2019

RIP, Anne. You where such a lady every one could wish to work with. You were a mother to ALL. Rest in the bosom of the LORD

Dnaiel Ogwude

August 20, 2014

Ann was one of the first Americans I met in Makurdi, Nigeria. She was friendly and kind and a wonderful person. The world has lost a true gem. Geoff and Ann's family and loved ones, please take heart.

Esther Igu

May 10, 2014

Recently I was thinking a lot about Ann. Therefore, I tried to find her through google search. When I opened the google last night, I have found out that Ann is not among us anymore. I was completely shocked about her untimely death. First I met Ann in 2005 at Afghanaid in Kabul, Afghanistan when she assumed the position of Managing Director of the agency. I had the privilege and honor to work with Ann for two consecutive years at Afghanaid. In fact I was reporting directly to Ann on daily basis. Ann was not only my boss, she was also our family friend. My two daughters, Anoosha Wahidi and Uranoos Wahidi were shocked to hear that Ann is not among us anymore. Ann was not only an excellent and professional leader in the office, she enjoyed wonderful interpersonal skills. She loved and respected the people of Afghanistan in true spirit. Therefore, we loved her and we will always remember her as a kind and caring human being. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ann's parents and Geoffrey. May her soul rest in peace in the heaven. Amen. Mohammad Haider Wahidi, Former Deputy Managing Director of Afghanaid.

May 4, 2014

I just learnt about Anne's death only today at OCAG Board Members' meeting. I knew Anne for many years now, just about the time herself and her husband first worked in Benue State. Anne volunteered on my Project then to support my stakeholders in their project reporting efforts. During one of those moments, we crafted the concept that eventually brought PFD project to Nigeria for the first time. I have many good memories of Anne and I wish her husband - Geff- whom I worked with in MARKETS 1 project and all other of her relations God's consolation even at this time of grief . Joshua Ida Samson

Joshua Samson

April 18, 2014

A selfless woman of great courage and generosity! Anne Johnson, you emptied yourself while on earth for the sake of others. We missed you. Goodnight!

Simeon Nyiakaa

March 31, 2014

When we loose such a special person in our life, time seems to stop. However, it is important that we start to live again with a smile on your face so that we can make her soul happy, as she is still looking at us even if we can't. May your soul rest in the bosom of the Lord Amen.

John Joseph Ocheibi

March 25, 2014

You were a lovely person and your family .my family was yours.you will stay in my heart dearest Anne.Love AmalH

Amal Hamamouch

March 20, 2014

Ohonyeta care Givers met with you in 1999 and today the story has changed. You took us from the scratch, built our capacities to respond to the needs of the vulnerable and marginerlised community members.We all miss your leadership examplary life. Our condolenses to your husband and relations. we do know you are resting well. Esther Oigoga for OCAG

Esther Oigoga

March 19, 2014

Great woman, your death came as a suprise. Visionary leader that you were.The organisation you supported will always remember you.

Esther Oigoga

March 19, 2014

I met Anne in Tanzania and throughout our interaction she demonstrated great professionalism and mentor. My condolences to her husband and parents. Anne was of a kind and will be missed. RIP

Gwamaka Mwakyanjala

February 26, 2014

I served PfD/Nigeria for almost eleven years with six of the years in management position. I therefore knew Anne very well and we considered her a mother in PfD/Nigeria. I got the news of Anne's demise with sadness but my belief in eternity consoled me.
It is on record that Anne was the pioneer Country Program Director of PfD/Nigeria. I could recall how she worked assiduously to launch PfD/Nigeria in Makurdi, Benue State of Nigeria in the year 2000.
Anne was a brilliant, visionary and charismatic leader. I marveled at her humility, simplicity, kindness and her distaste for class. I was touched by her passion for orphans and widows and the less privileged generally. She was a hardworking leader that physically monitored Programs up to community level.
She will be greatly missed by the rural communities in Nigeria, as her exit has brought a total eclipse to PfD/Nigeria.
On behalf of my immediate family and the Nigerian poor in general, I pass condolence to her husband, parents and brother, praying that the Almighty God gives them the fortitude to bear the loss.
Adieu ! Great mother of the Poor. Rest in Peace.

Itodo Emmanuel

February 17, 2014

I just learned of Anne's passing and am devastated at the news. We met in Zamalek in the early 80s and became reacquainted in the 90s from when I have many fond memories of her lively and intelligent presence at dinner parties in Alexandria and Cairo with friends. My deepest condolences to her family members on your loss.

Greg Olson

February 11, 2014

We have so many fond memories of Anne through the years: her infectious smile, her indomitable spirit, her sweet kindness, her heartfelt humanity and so much more. Our hearts go out to you Geoff, Homer, Allison, Philip and family. Anne will be sorely missed by so many people whom she touched from her little corner of Vermont, to Texas and throughout the world.

Abd & Susan Bibi

January 12, 2014

Anne was really a great person, boss and above all friend. We first met in a remote district in Ghor province of Afghanistan in 2006. Going with her to communities, I realized how kind she was with people and how sincere she was trying to make a difference into Afghans' lives. She helped me to be transferred to Kabul Office where I could pursue my university degree in the evening. She was very helpful in the last months of her life to make sure I am well settled in New York as a graduate student. She was providing feedback and support through email and phone calls. Her death was a shock for me and feel like losing a great companion here in the United States. Anne, I love you so much. Rest in Peace.
Amin

Mohammad Amin Sadiqi

January 10, 2014

Ann was so energetic, dedicated to her work, so professional in all her dealings with her work and relationship with colleagues she works with.Her wonderful sense of humor is what i do emulate all the time. Ann was a good friend, a boss and a Sister My thought goes for her family and Geof.
Philips. Lizzy

January 6, 2014

It is so hard to accept that Anne is gone. And yet, it's so wonderful to see how much she was loved by so many people in so many places. Anne and I met as roommates on our first day of college (we threw her a birthday party two days after meeting her; she said afterwards that her cheeks hurt from so much smiling), and we later lived together in Philadelphia and in New York. We had many happy adventures, both in the U.S. and abroad. And to read these comments from good friends she stayed in touch with over so many years and from so many countries – it's a testament to her warm, infectious, and sunny spirit. The world is truly a better place for her having been in it. I will miss her always. Love to Geof and her family, and to her extended family across the globe.

Diane Roback

January 2, 2014

It was a privilege and a joy to work with Anne for so many years as both a professional colleague and a good friend. Her many important contributions to Partners for Development and to those families and communities on whose behalf we work cannot be overstated. Anne's kindness, intelligence, wonderful sense of humor, and her boundless optimism always inspired me and so many others. My thoughts and those of my wife, Juliet, are with Anne's family and with her husband, Geof Dolman.

Jack Marrkand

January 2, 2014

Dear Anne, we'll miss you so much, and will always treasure our memories of you in Zamalek, Tanta, Bayad, and Vermont, stretching over 32 years.

Patick and Soumaia Crump

January 1, 2014

How I will miss dear Anne, my beloved friend since we were roommates at Oberlin: her clear-eyed passion for life and enthusiastic engagement with the world, her humble courage, her wit and playfulness, her wonderful way of describing things with just the surprising and right words, her musical voice and laugh. Love and deepest sympathy to her community of friends around the world and especially to her family – Homer, Allison, Philip, Geof and all her relatives.

Nan Wishner

January 1, 2014

Anne was a remarkable woman. She had such positive and warm energy, it was a pleasure to be around her. I am so grateful for being able to spend five years working along side Anne. She taught me how to lead and tackle challenges with grace and humor. Anne was always so encouraging. I felt she was my biggest cheerleader and helped me get to where I am today. She will be missed. She was truly a blessing to all who knew her. My condolences to Geoff. I will always cherish the memories of spending time in your home in the UK.

Maja Feldman

December 31, 2013

Beautiful Anne, such a shining, strong and courageous woman we've been blessed to know. How deeply we all will miss her presence. Anne's light shall live on in those whom she loved, in the lives of those who loved her and through the community of the world she called her home. Our hearts are with all of you, Homer and Allison, Geof, Philip and Joan, Ferne and Erik.

Kathy and Beth Christ-Janer

December 31, 2013

Anne was a remarkable friend, in Jerusalem, in Egypt, and via mail, e-mail, and phone. I'm so grateful I got to spend time with her and her family in Vermont this past May. She has touched countless lives, and I'm grateful to be one of them. My thoughts and prayers are with Anne's wonderful family.

Jane Eesley

December 31, 2013

Jeanette Perry

December 30, 2013

Anne was one of the most positive and uplifting people I have ever met. I will cherish her laughter, her spirit, and her memory always. Our deepest condolences to her family and friends.

Katherine Van de Vate

December 30, 2013

Anne was like a mother to me and other PFD/Nigeria colleagues. She nurtured me into the leader that I am today - strong, committed and dedicated. She will be greatly missed. Our hearts are with Geoff andother members of Anne's family.

Ediri Iruaga

December 30, 2013

Dear Uncle Homer and Aunt Allison,

I am so very sorry for the passing of Anne. She certainly lived her life to the fullest, helping others and trying to make their lives better. You can be very proud of her.

I have many fond memories of Anne and your family being on Ames Hill as I spent my summers there with Cathe and her family.

You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Leesa Stewart Plude

December 30, 2013

We glory in her life and spirit of serving others.

Debbie Leonard

December 30, 2013

We cherish our memories of Anne (aka Grandle) as one of the kindest, funniest, and most generous souls the planet has known. Our hearts are with Geoff, Philip, Joan, Homer, and Allison.

Fred Pinkney Pam Sommers

December 30, 2013

Anne lived life the to the fullest and was a wonderful gift to the world. I'm privileged to have had her as a housemate at U. of Texas and as a life-long friend.

Linda Giles

December 30, 2013

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