Memories of Carolyn “Carrie” Johns

Carrie Johns was a wonderful colleague. I served with her on many committees and she was always insightful and dedicated. Her students had great things to say about her. She was a huge presence in the St. Lawrence University Environmental Studies Department. I am so sorry to hear of her passing, and I send my sympathies to her close friend Glenn Harris.  Patti Frazer Lock, Professor of Math, Computer Science, and Statistics

I'm so sorry to hear this news. Carrie was a trusted colleague - we served together on a search committee or two and I loved and so appreciated her sense of humour, integrity...and love of all things yarn and knitting.  Erin McCarthy, Retired Philosophy Professor

Carrie took me on as a research assistant my senior year at St. Lawrence. The practical experience of collecting environmental samples, following an SOP, keeping a lab notebook and operating the scientific instruments (GFAA and flame AA) built my resume and gave me an appreciation for the rigors of environmental chemistry. When I returned to St. Lawrence in 2006 as a staff member, she greeted me and made me feel back at home. Sharing knitting patterns and comparing notes on yarn stashes are among my fondest memories.  Suna Stone '90, Chemistry Department Staff

Carrie was a lovely person and a generous colleague. We had wonderful conversations about Jane Austen, her fabulous knitting, and life in general. Her kindness and dedication had a real impact here at St. Lawrence.  Caroline, English Department

Carrie and I interacted when I was new to campus. We met over coffees and lunch. She was a very kind colleague, self deprecating, with a gentle sense of humor. I am so sorry that I lost touch with her during the pandemic.  Aswini Pai, Biology Professor

I loved getting to work with Carrie on committees over the years. Her thoughtful work was an inspiration!  Sara Barber, English Professor

Carrie Johns was among the many joys of my time at St. Lawrence. She joined us in Memorial Hall in 1988, and from then until we each retired in 2018 she was a regular collegial companion and friend. We often compared notes and shared perceptions--on life, on teaching, on the college, on students. Most often we talked over our researches. Among my most vivid memories of Carrie was overhearing her humming to herself one day, walking into the building, and shifting from hum to song, singing "Data, I've got data." She was happy over her progress with her ongoing Zebra Mussel project. A joyful connection.  Bob Thacker, Retired Professor of English and Canadian Studies