Amy Johnsen-Harris

Johnsen-Harris, Amy
70, passed away on Thursday, October 18 at Summit Commons in Providence after a long illness. A former resident of Cranston, RI, Amy's love of books had served her well as a librarian at Cranston High School East and Bain Middle School after earlier stints at Providence Public Library and Ponaganset High School.
Born in New York City, Amy grew up in Edina, MN and earned her degree in English at Brown University. After graduation, she moved to San Francisco, living in Haight-Ashbury and working as administrative assistant to the Philosophy and English departments at the University of San Francisco. Moving back to Rhode Island in 1972, she held various jobs before becoming a librarian: she was a house parent in the Wheeler School's boarding department, worked for Planned Parenthood of Rhode Island, drove a school bus in Seekonk, MA and for the Gordon School in East Providence, and worked as a photographer—both freelance and for East Side Monthly.
Amy shared her sharp wit with all who would listen. She loved animals, adopting and caring for a number of pets over the years. She was a flutist, pianist, naturalist, and advocate. Her passion for politics included causes such as animal rights, human rights, civil rights and the environment. She loved to travel, especially to national parks with her son. Her love of animals and sense of humor are seen on every page of her wonderful children's book A Good Job is Hard to Find, which features her own photography and rhyming verse.
She is survived by her son, Bart Johnsen-Harris of Washington, DC, her sister Carol Johnsen (Bruce Bryant) of Vancouver, WA, her brother Dan Johnsen of South Kingstown, and her former husband Mark Harris of Cranston.
An informal gathering in her honor will be held Tuesday, October 23 from 5:30–7:30 pm at the Brown Faculty Club, 1 Bannister St., Providence, RI. Amy stories will be welcome. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations would be a meaningful tribute.