Patricia Ann Johansen passed away on June 2, 2025, in Midland, Texas. Pat was born on June 16, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois to COL Henry Mathew Rund and Helen Decker Rund. Pat was raised in a military family and lived in Chicago and Europe while growing up. Pat graduated from William & Mary in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and minors in English and Philosophy. She completed her graduate work in Psychology at the University of Virginia and George Washington University. She met her husband Wilford “Bud” Johansen when they were both on the staff of a research group at George Washington.
Pat began her career as an engineering psychologist at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC. After almost a decade of designing training programs for the military and other government agencies, including the Peace Corps, she turned to educational research and development.
Pat’s true passion in life was politics. An extraordinary leader and champion of human rights, Pat was a political activist in five states. As her husband’s career took their family across the United States several times, she was quick to acclimate herself to their new location by getting involved in local and state politics. Their deepest roots were in California where they raised their two sons. Pat was elected twice to four-year terms on the Palos Verdes Peninsula School Board where she served as president and vice president. She was also elected as a board member of the Los Angeles County School Trustees Association. Pat served on the executive board of the California State Democratic Party and as the founding executive director of the San Diego Coalition for Equality. While in Palm Springs, she was a founding committee member of the Democratic Foundation of the Desert, president of Democrats of the Desert, and vice president of the Coachella League of Women Voters.
Pat loved her time in Sequim, Washington where she served as the state committeewoman for the Clallam County Democrats, and county chair for the Clallam County Democratic Central Committee. Pat worked on many local and Washington state campaigns consulting, managing, and fundraising.
Intelligent, confident, curious, and outspoken, Pat never backed down from a challenge. She was a trusted and loyal friend who cherished the decades-long friendships she made through her political and community involvement. Her closest friends were considered family members.
Pat’s family was always her first priority. She was a devoted and loving daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. Pat is survived by her oldest son, Eric; daughter-in-law, Denise; grandson, Ross; and granddaughter, Charlotte (Harrison) Duncan. Pat was preceded in death by her son, Evan, her husband, Bud, and her parents. A private family memorial will be held.
The Johansen family would like to express their tremendous gratitude to Brookdale and Heart to Heart Hospice for their kindness, compassion, and care.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory in Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.
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