UConn Advance - February 17, 2009 - Former professor of home economics Louise Teich Johnson dies at 95

Former professor and administrator Louise Teich Johnson died Feb. 2. She was 95.

Johnson, who lived in Storrs, graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor’s degree in 1936 and a master’s degree in the early 1950’s.

She was at the University for more than 25 years, where she taught courses in clothing and fashion and textiles. She was also an administrator in the School of Home Economics, which became the School of Family Studies.

Over the years Johnson received many honors for her significant contributions to the University.

She was given a Special Recognition Award from the School of Family Studies, and the School’s Alumni Society honored her with its Distinguished Service Award. She also received the University Service Award from the Alumni Association.

In 1990, UConn recognized her lifetime of contributions by awarding her its highest honor, the University Medal, jointly with her husband, the late Reuben B. Johnson ’36, a former dean and alumni director at the University.

Johnson’s father, Frederic C. Teich, was the architect of more than 20 buildings on the UConn campus, including the Wilbur Cross Building, the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture complex, the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, the original Student Union building, and the Greer Field House. He also designed the house in which his daughter lived for more than 50 years.

Irene Brown, associate professor emerita of human development and family studies, says Johnson “lived and breathed the University. She was instrumental in starting the Family Studies Alumni Society. I remember wonderful meetings in her living room. She was welcoming and inspiring.”

Brown adds that Johnson enjoyed attending the annual scholarship event in memory of her father: “She always wanted students to be recognized for their creative interests.”

Johnson was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, the American Association of University Women, the Women’s Club of Storrs, the Storrs Congregational Church, the Botsford Family Association, and the Parish Piecers, a quilting group.

She was predeceased by her husband, to whom she was married for more than 50 years, and a daughter. She is survived by her son, Reuben, four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

A service for the remembrance and celebration of her life will be held on Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. at the Storrs Congregational Church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to The Frederic C. Teich Award, payable to the UConn Foundation Inc., with The Frederic C. Teich Award (30112) in the memo line, and sent to the UConn Foundation, 2390 Alumni Drive, Unit 3206, Storrs, CT 06269-3206.