Dr. Anna (Eckersley) Johnson PhD

May 14, 1924 - October 1, 2016

Dr. Anna Louise (Eckersley) Johnson, 92, of New Britain, writer and educator in the field of business education, Professor Emerita and former Chair of the Department of Business Education at Central Connecticut State University, died on October 1, 2016. Anna was born in Arnold, Pennsylvania, May 14, 1924 to the late Lois and Mark Eckersley. She attended Arnold public schools, graduating in 1941 from Arnold Senior High School. Always with a keen eye for business, Anna began her college studies at Grove City College, Pennsylvania, graduating with a bachelor of science degree in commerce in 1944, following which she began her teaching career as business teacher in the Lower Burrell Township, Pennsylvania, and Butler, Pennsylvania, public schools from 1944 – 1951. After earning her Master of Arts degree from New York University, she became instructor of business at Teachers College, Columbia University, 1951 – 1952. She then joined the faculty at the Teachers College of Connecticut, now CCSU, in 1952, as Instructor of Business Education while simultaneously earning a Doctor of Education degree from Columbia University in 1956. She rose through the academic ranks at CCSU from instructor to full professor. Throughout her CCSU academic career of 35 years she held various offices in local, national and international business education associations. She published several textbooks and publications in the field of business education and was honored as an educator of the year and for her contributions to the advancement of women. In 1975 she was awarded the CCSU Distinguished Service Award. In addition to her parents Anna, was predeceased by her beloved husband Roger Johnson and her brother William Eckersley. She is survived by a wide circle of friends and cousins living in Pennsylvania including Donald and Marilyn Knepshield of Arnold. She also leaves behind many friends at the Jerome home, New Britain, where she resided for 6 years. Special thanks are extended to the Jerome staff members who provided exemplary care. During her 64 years in New Britain Anna was devoted to her community and contributed time and energy to a number of not-for-profit organizations including her church, First Lutheran Church of the Reformation, where she met her husband Roger Johnson; CCSU; the Hospital of Central Connecticut where she was a corporator; New Britain Museum of American Art; Boys and Girls Club of New Britain; YWCA New Britain; and the New Britain Symphony Orchestra. Funeral services are Wednesday November 9, 2016, 11 AM at the First Lutheran Church, 77 Franklin Square, New Britain. There are no calling hours. Burial was private in Rose Hill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to one of the not-for-profit organizations in which Dr. Johnson was involved. The Carlson Funeral Home, New Britain is assisting with arrangements. Please share a memory or note of sympathy at www.carlsonfuneralhome.com