Frances A. (McDonald) Johansson

Averill Park - Frances A. McDonald Johansson, 92, died Friday, November 15, 2024, attended by her beloved family and caregivers at Eddy Memorial Geriatric Center.

Born in New York City, she was the daughter of the late Francis McDonald and Anna Lanner McDonald. She was raised in New York City for 25 years. Frances resided in Pittsfield before moving to Averill Park in 1962. She was a graduate of Pratt Institute in New York City and earned her bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Albany.

For many years, Frances was a teacher at Russell Sage College and, later, a self-employed commercial artist and independent consultant. She also worked as a freelance artist  Frances was a born-again Christian and devoted Catholic who was a long-time member of St. Henry’s Catholic Community in Averill Park. She was actively involved at St. Henry’s in various capacities as a Eucharist Minister and aspiring Deaconess. In her last days, she said, “Jesus is my friend.”

Frances is survived by her son Ronald Johansson and his wife Elizabeth, her daughter Maria Pollack and her husband Jonathan, and her beloved grandchildren Christopher Johansson, Emily (Austin) Manierre, Jack Johansson, and Anna Pollack. She leaves behind her favorite cousin Mark Killeen along with her good friends Charlotte Foster, Jean Work, Frank and Anne Lukovits, Anel Dzekciorius, and Maurice Fidler. She was predeceased by her best friend and fellow artist Edward Kenney.

The family would like to thank the Eddy Memorial Geriatric Center as well as the Community Hospice for their kindness and attention to Frances.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday , April 26, 2025 at 10:30AM at St. Henry's Church 39 Old Route 66 in Averill Park. Interment in St. Henry's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Frances A. Johansson to St. Henry’s Church. To sign the guest book or light a candle, visit www.brycefuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frances A. (McDonald) Johansson, please visit our floral store.