Lani (Beck) Johnson

Lani Beck Johnson, born Louise Ann Beck on November 11, 1944, to the late Professor Margaret Beck (Lehman) and Richard Rubicam Beck in Lewiston, PA departed this world at her home in the early hours of July 30th, 2021.  Beloved Mother, Wife, Professor, World Traveler, she is survived by her husband of 49 years, Leonard C. Johnson, sons Carl (daughter-in-law Stephanie) and Tim, grandchildren Kirsten, Hailey, Aiden and brother Richard Beck and sister-in-law Joan of Punxsutawney, PA.

A lifelong lover of animals, Lani worked for a veterinarian as a teenager, participating in medical procedures for which she may not have had all the requisite training. In an attempt to remedy this, she was accepted to the Veterinary Program at Penn State University before ultimately finding a home in the Theatre Department. Beyond her contributions of over 40 years as a Professor of Theatre and Costume Designer at Central Connecticut State University, receiving Emeritus Professor status at retirement, she served as an active EMT Corpsperson for 24 years and President of the Plymouth Volunteer Ambulance Board of Directors.  She began traveling to East Africa in 1984, organizing and leading many tour groups throughout the years in search of the perfect photo of a male lion doing anything other than lying about or sleeping. A member of diverse civic boards and recipient of numerous service awards, she somehow found time to volunteer as a member of the Terryville Lions Club and at the Plymouth Food Pantry.

For those wishing to pay their respects or share funny stories about Lani, Visitation hours will be between 5-8pm on Thursday, August 5th at Scott Funeral Home 169 Main St. Terryville. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending donations to the Plymouth Volunteer Ambulance Corps P.O. Box 330, Terryville, CT 06786

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