Meredith Anne Johansen

On Wednesday, December 17, 2020, Meredith Anne Johansen, loving mother of Alex, passed away at the age of 47. Meredith was born on October 9, 1973 to Bruce and Wanda (Byrd) Foster.

A graduate of Sylvania Northview High School, she attended DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. She was married to Mark Johansen in Toledo, Ohio and together they reared their son, Alex.

Soon after her birth Meredith relocated with her family to Valencia, Venezuela where she spent the first four years of her life. Thus began Meredith’s wanderlust that continued for the rest of her all too brief life. Early in her life there were family vacations through South America, the Caribbean, and England. In her stroller, she sat on the equator in Ecuador and the prime meridian in London.

As an adult, Meredith and Mark lived in Sierra Vista, Arizona, Alexandria, Virginia, and Dayton, Ohio by way of his work with the FBI. Meredith continued her wanderlust for several years. This included trips to Indonesia, Europe, and the Caribbean Islands. The island of Nevis proved to be a favorite of hers.

A very social person, Meredith made friends everywhere she went. Meredith had a love for dogs. This found particular expression in her service as a volunteer rescuing and fostering dogs, and volunteering for the Humane Society. As an entrepreneur, Meredith co-founded Chairy Blossoms. She was also active in the promotion of AirB&B as a participant, and as a contributor of marketing and promotional ideas.

Meredith was preceded in death by her beloved grandfather, John Foster. She is survived by her son, Alex, her former husband, Mark, her mother, Wanda and father, Bruce. She is further survived by her brother, John, her grandmother, Martha, and many uncles, aunts, and cousins. A memorial service will be held at Epworth United Methodist Church at 4855 Central Avenue, Toledo, Ohio, 43615 at 11:00 am on Tuesday, December 29, 2020. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Epworth United Methodist Church or The Ability Center Assistance Dogs Program at 5605 Monroe Street, Sylvania, OH 43560.