Obituary of Jean Johnson

DELMAR- Jean Gleason Johnson, 81 of Guilderland, NY passed away Sunday August 14, 2011. Jean was born on January 14, 1930 in Albany, N.Y. to Walter M. Gleason Sr, and Ann Connors Gleason. She grew up in Delmar and graduated from Bethlehem Central Schools, going on to attend Russell Sage College to study art history. Jean continued her art education throughout the rest of her life, traveling around the world with friends or family visiting museums, galleries and art related historical sites. Jean shared her love of the arts with others of all ages through teaching. After raising her family, Jean taught art and ceramics to Senior Citizens at The Senior Services Center of Albany; substituted in the art departments of numerous capital area school districts; and was the founder of the art program of the Heldeberg Workshop, serving for 10 years as Art Director. Later on in life she created the art education program for the Town of Guilderland Senior Program and enjoyed leading seniors on art education field trips. A gifted artist from a young age, Jean painted a wide array of subject matter and was often awarded at local art shows for her talents. Her most recognizable work is the logo of The Heldeberg Workshop, used continuously since 1966. In addition to her art, Jean was an accomplished gardener, both designing and building intricate rock gardens at her home which often served as a source of her passion for painting. She also enjoyed traveling around the world, reading, politics and following tennis, baseball- and professional golf. Her involvement with The Heldeberg Workshop did take up most of summer vacation time; she did however enjoy vacationing with her family at Basin Bay in Lake George , or traveling to Eastham at Cape Cod for a relaxing time on the beach and visiting artists living in Provincetown. Jean was predeceased by her sister Corrine G. Catel and her brother in law Robert P. Catel Survivors include her children, Kristin S. Johnson of Guilderland, NY/San Luis Obispo, CA, and Eric J. Johnson (Grace) of Slingerlands, NY; her brother Walter M. Gleason Jr. (Andrea) of Voorheesville NY; numerous nieces and nephews; and Maggie May her cat and constant companion. The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers of The Community Hospice of Albany, NY; Dr. Carmen Guiliano; and family and friends who supported and comforted Jean during her final weeks. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, August 18th from 3 to 6 pm at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar. A Service of Remembrance will immediately follow the calling hours. In lieu of flowers, a contribution to The Heldeberg Workshop, PO Box 323, Voorheesville, NY 12186-0323, would be appreciated.