JOHANSEN, EDNA LILIAN (NINA)

Edna Lilian (Nina) Johansen, age 91, died July 8, 2016 in Athens, Georgia.
Nina Johansen will be remembered by all who knew her as a woman of deep faith, unwavering devotion to her family, and a true gourmet food enthusiast.
Nina, as she was known by family and friends, was born February 18, 1925 in Lawrence, MA to the late Edwin Johnstone and Alma Charlotte Lundgren Hazelhurst. Growing up in humble circumstances during the Depression, she and her family moved several times before settling in St. Petersburg, FL.
After graduating high school in 1943, Nina took a job as a stenographer at the Bay Pines VA Hospital. Following the end of World War II, she accepted an opportunity to go to Germany to work as a typist with the Civil Censorship Department. This department was charged with monitoring mail and phone calls relating to the prosecution of German war criminals. While there she met and fell in love with a member of the Danish Navy, Preben Johansen. Even though Nina had to return to the United States, their relationship grew stronger. She saved her money and eventually sailed to Denmark to wed the love of her life. They were married at the Church of Our Savior in Copenhagen on April 25, 1948.
Settling in the United States, Nina supported Preben’s restaurant career while raising their four children. In 1959 they were able to purchase Le Chateau Restaurant where she contributed as the pastry chef. Le Chateau grew into an enormously respected restaurant, becoming a favorite venue for parties and celebrations among locals and celebrities. She and Preben eventually owned another local restaurant, The Homestead. In her later years, Nina helped her daughter, Kathy, with her restaurant, First Street Grille.
Nina is survived by her children, Kirsten (Kit) Welch (Buddy) of McDonough, GA, Kathryn (Kathy) Marvin (Malcolm) of Jacksonville Beach, FL, Preben (Benny) Johansen, Jr.(Betsy) of Tallahassee, FL, Jennifer (Jenny) Smith (Jared) of Neptune Beach, FL; brother, Ned Hazelhurst, Ruskin, FL; seven grandchildren; ten great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Preben; her parents; sister, Marilyn McDonald; and her grandson, Hunter Johansen Welch.
Memorial Services will be held, Sunday, July 24, 2016 at 4PM at St. Andrews by the Sea Lutheran Church, Jacksonville Beach,FL.
For those who wish, in lieu of flowers please make contributions in her memory to St. Andrews By the Sea Lutheran Church, 1801 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 or to a charity of one’s choice.