Obituary of Johanna Larson Perry

Johanna Larson Perry, (83) of Santa Cruz, CA, died on Monday, December 1st in her residence. She was born on March 24, 1931 in Medford, Massachusetts. She attended the Buckingham School, Tufts University, and received a MSW from Smith College. In 1950 she married Donald G. Perry, of Newton, MA and together they had 3 children: Gretchen, Kristina, and Julianna. They moved to Hillsborough, California in 1966 and lived there until 2011. Johanna worked at Judge Baker Children's Center, in Boston, before moving to California and working for San Mateo County. She ultimately worked as a psychiatric social worker with Peninsula Psychiatric Associates, in San Mateo. She served as a member of the Board of the Peninsula YMCA and in the parent organizations at North School, Crocker Middle School, and Crystal Springs Uplands. A unique soul, Johanna was an incredible listener and encourager who savored long walks, talking politics, and coffee with her friends and family. She was a skilled craftsperson and cook, enjoying sewing, reupholstering furniture, and hosting Swedish-themed holiday parties. She will be greatly missed. Johanna is survived by her loving daughters Kristina (Keefe-Perry) and Julianna, and was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Donald Perry. A memorial service will be held in the spring. Memorial donations may be made in Johanna's name to the Alzheimer's Association.