Dorothea Elaine Johnson

On November 9, 2025, we said goodbye to our loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, Dorothea Johnson, as she passed peacefully at the Centennial Special Care Home in Esterhazy, Saskatchewan.

Dorothea is survived by her children Karen (Robert), Terry, and Dawn (Cory); grandchildren Jason, Terence (Tanya), Jennifer (Jamie), Erin (Jeremy), Kristin (Eric), Reagen (Katie), Brittany, and Tahlia (Giles); and her great grandchildren, Jake, Ava, Kaleigh, Abbegayle, Owen, Quinn, Olivia, Jack, Charlie, June, Cedar and Stone; and sister-in-law, Shirley. Dorothea is predeceased by her husband Walter; son, Ken (survived by Shirley); twin brother, Donny; sister, Charlotte and her brother-in-law, Gordon; and parents, Arthur and Helena.

Dorothea was born on May 13, 1929, and raised in the hamlet of Marchwell, Saskatchewan. They later moved to Harrowby, Manitoba, where her family owned and operated the general store. She met Walter at a Marchwell dance, and they later married on April 4, 1952. Walter and Dorothea had a mixed farming operation with his brother Shortie, and they were very successful in the purebred polled Hereford business. Walter passed away on February 19, 1994.

In 2024, we all gathered to celebrate her 95th birthday in the courtyard with cake and mimosas. Grandma was a part of the care home for five years, and her caregivers became family; their “Dotty” or “Little Grandma”. We cannot thank the staff enough for their care and comfort given to Grandma throughout the years, but especially in her final week.

Donations in Dorothea’s honour can be made to the charities listed below. Flowers are graciously declined, but if you wish to, please support local through Vibe Interior Decorating or Esterhazy Flower Bin. We look forward to you sharing your own memories and/or photos through the comments section below.

“The Broken Chain” by Ron Tranmer

We little knew the day that

God was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly,

In death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you

But you didn’t go alone.

For part of us went with you

The day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories.

Your love is still our guide,

And though we cannot see you

You are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken

And nothing seems the same,

But as God calls us one by one

The chain will link again.