Elizabeth McGrath Johansing

JOHANSING, Elizabeth McGrath - Passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home in Paso Robles, CA, on July 29, 2005. Private family services have been scheduled. Elizabeth, the beloved daughter of May and Joseph McGrath, was born August 31, 1916 in Oxnard, CA. As a fourth- generation Californian and granddaughter to a Ventura County pioneer, she was raised on a dairy and agricultural ranch in Oxnard. Elizabeth attended Santa Clara High School before moving north to attend the University of California at Berkeley, graduating in 1938 with a degree in economics. In November of 1939, Elizabeth married Walter Johansing, "the love of her life" and recently celebrated their 65th Anniversary. They made their home in Pasadena where she and Walter raised their children. In 1977 the couple moved to Paso Robles where the family continues to operate a working ranch. Elizabeth is survived by her loving husband, Walter; and their children, Diane Litchfield (Jim), Sally Held (Bill), Nancy Hall (Bill), Barney (Corky), Beth Cote (Bob), Peter (Kathy), Tom (Judy), Karen Meyer (Steve), Greg; and son-in-law Dick Valerian; and one brother, Joe. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Patty Velerian; sister, Jane Aggeler; and her brother, Bill McGrath. With 33 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, Elizabeth will be remembered as a caring and loving grandmother. Happy in the chaos that accompanies a large family, she always gave special attention to each person and never missed a grandchild's birthday. She had a passion for flowers, reading, travel, and crossword puzzles and enjoyed her glass of chardonnay (always with an ice cube). But above all things, Elizabeth's family and faith were her life. She will be dearly missed by all. In lieu of flowers family requests donations to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 42 61, Pittsfield, MA 01202, or Hospice-Partners of the Central Coast, 277 So. Street Suite R, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. Arrangements under the direction of: Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home Paso Robles, CA,