Obituary of Doris Lorette Johnson

October 31, 1940 – Willow Bunch, Saskatchewan

September 16, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Doris Lorette Marie Johnson (nee Therrien) passed away peacefully on Monday, September 16, 2024, at the Rockyview General Hospital in Calgary, surrounded by her family, at the age of 83.

Doris was born on October 31, 1940, in Willow Bunch, SK. She was predeceased by her parents, Alfred and Pomela Therrien; as well as four brothers and six sisters.

Doris is survived by her husband Dave of 62 years, her daughter Suzanne of Calgary, daughter Paulette (John), and grandchildren, John, Annemarie, and Caroline of Calgary; daughter Laura (Chris), and grandchildren, Alyssa and Brett of St. Albert; and brother Pete (Yolande) of Moose Jaw. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and special friends.

Doris grew up in Willow Bunch until the age of eleven, attending Lautier School and the Sisters of The Cross convent school. She then moved to the Toronto area with her mother Pomela and brother Claude. Here, Doris finished her education, began working for the Royal Bank and met the love of her life, Dave. They were married on June 30, 1962, in Toronto, bought their first house there and began raising their family. In 1978 Doris and Dave made the decision to move their family of five west, to Calgary, to be close to both sides of the family. Here, they built a wonderful life for themselves and their three girls. They hiked in the summer, skied in the winter, travelled with their girls and made several trips a year to Willow Bunch to visit Doris’ family, and to Vancouver to visit Dave’s family. They also made many life-long friendships that filled their years with laughter, adventure, and cherished memories.

Early married life for Doris was filled with raising her three girls, volunteering for their activities, and later working part-time for Alberta Treasury Branches and volunteering at Father Lacombe Nursing Home. In their retired years, Doris and Dave travelled the world together and loved coming back home to share their experiences with their children and grandchildren. They were especially grateful they were able to take Doris’ sister, Cecile, with them on one of their many European vacations, and to Africa.

One of Doris’ greatest passions, besides being Dave’s wife, was being a grandma. Her and Dave loved having their five grandchildren close to them so that they could spend time with them, take them hiking, host “grandma and grandpa sleepovers”, and share their life experiences with each grandchild in a meaningful way. Doris loved her grandchildren deeply and took such pride in their every accomplishment, whether it be in school or sports. Doris loved and cherished her family fiercely and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A special thanks to Dr. Leslie Metherell for her years of caring for Doris, and to the staff at the Foothills Medical Center and Rockyview General hospital during her brief times there.

Doris will be laid to rest in her birthplace of Willow Bunch, SK, at a later date.

If friends and family so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian National Institute of the Blind (CNIB) Foundation Guide Dog Program, 15 Colonel Baker Place N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 4Z3, Telephone: 1-800-563-2642, www.cnib.ca .

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Doris’ family here.

In living memory of Doris Johnson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.