Sharon E. Johanson

1941 - 2013

Johanson, Sharon E. ESCONDIDO -- Sharon E. Johanson, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on Monday, August 12, 2013, at the age of 71. Sharon was born on August 21, 1941 in Minneapolis, MN, the only child of Doris Kent McCallum and John Louis McCallum. Sharon grew up in Robbinsdale, MN, in a loving home with her mother and step-father, Barney Gebhard. She graduated from Robbinsdale High School where she was on the honor roll all four years, and was nominated the most athletic female by her classmates. Her passion for education continued at the University of Minnesota and later at the University of North Texas, where she pursued a degree in Journalism. During her time at the University of North Texas, she had many articles published in The North Texas Daily as well as in community newspapers in the surrounding area. Her high academic standards led to several semesters on the dean's list and Sharon was awarded the Outstanding Public Relations award and the C.E. Shuford Sophomore Reporter Award. Sharon's favorite job was at Performance Systems in Dallas, TX, where she worked for more than 10 years as the Director of Client Services. Sharon and Rune Johanson were married on April 11, 1987. Together they traveled the world, worked and danced their way around the United States, raised five children and spoiled four grandchildren. Sharon loved to dance, write and read. The athletic ability she exhibited in high school continued throughout her life. She was an outstanding outfielder on numerous softball teams and she also played volleyball, tennis and golf. One of her favorite pastimes was visiting the Wild Animal Park, which she supported as a member of San Diego Zoological Society. She also enthusiastically spent time with the students she tutored as a volunteer with OASIS, a national education and service organization. She is survived by her devoted husband of 26 years, Rune; daughters, Loree Bradley and husband Ted of Irving, TX, Christine Coz of San Diego, CA; step-children, Magnus Johanson and wife Ulrika of Gothenburg, Sweden, Andreas Johanson of Molndal, Sweden, Emma Johanson of Stenungsund, Sweden; brother, Mark Gebhard; sister, JoAnne Middaugh; and four grandchildren. A Memorial Service celebrating Sharon's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 4, 2013 at Alhiser-Comer Mortuary in Escondido. In lieu of flowers, Sharon's family requests that donations be made in her tribute to the Alzheimer's Association; http://www.alz.org/join_ the_cause_tributes.asp. Arrangements are by Alhiser-Comer Mortuary