Doreen Johnson (Richard)

Doreen (Dody/DJ) Johnson was born Mary Dorene Richard to Acadian parents in Wellington, Prince Edward Island on Friday, March 13, 1936 – a lucky day for her family. Her parents Faustin and Anita were hard working and for decades ran the Richard Inn, where Doreen lived as a girl and young woman. Dody grew up near the ocean, clam digging on the beach with her mother, older brother Larry (Laurent) and younger sister (Cis) Cecile. She has always loved dancing, music, reading, crossword puzzles, and attending live music concerts. She played the guitar and sang beautifully. She played guitar with her father, a banjo player while a friend accompanied them on accordion at house parties and public gatherings in her home town. Dody was always charming and clever and did well in school. She comes from a long line of hard-working farmers, lobster fisher people, and teachers. Dody was bilingual (French/English) and very hard working, which helped her find work when she moved to Toronto not long after high school – a very brave move. She moved to Toronto during a very exciting time. She was present for the historic Stones show at the El Macambo where Keith Richards fell off the stage. She traveled to beaches with friends by motorcycle, camped, and enjoyed visits back home to see her parents. After she married, she had two daughters, who Doreen came to raise as a single mom. Lori and Pamela benefitted from her loving guidance and a peaceful home. She was a deeply committed and hard-working mother – an excellent model of a strong woman for her daughters, who adore her. The three of them moved to Ottawa in 1979, where she worked at Bell Canada as a TOPS operator until her retirement in 1996. Dody always had many friends, and after retirement she met more when she went to dances, and exercise classes. Eventually, she moved to Westboro where she lived for 7 years – she loved the neighbourhood. After she was diagnosed with Vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, her daughters endeavoured to support her quality of life in any way they could. Dody continued to enjoy in fun adventures with her family when traveling together, she learned new skills, adapted to many changes, met new friends and enjoyed life to the fullest. Dody moved to Maxville Manor in December 2011, a first choice for her and her daughters. Her family wishes to give a profound thanks to the caregivers and administration at Maxville Manor. Dody’s care at the Manor was excellent and the professionalism and compassion of her caregivers was evident up until her final moments. Dody is predeceased by her parents, Faustin and Anita Richard, and her brother Laurent. She is survived by her daughters Lori Spinks (Todd) and Pamela Johnson (John); her grandchildren Jacob and Hannah Spinks and her sister Cecile Joseph. In her memory, we ask friends and family to consider making donations to the Alzhemier’s Society of Canada, and please vote for federal and provincial leaders who are committed to Long Term Care Reform with a plan to increase supports for residents, reduce the number of people in homes, and ensure the women and men who dedicate their careers to caring for our loved ones in the final stages of their lives are well paid and supported in their places of work. Funeral arrangements under the care and direction of Munro & Morris Funeral Homes Ltd., 20 Main St. Maxville (613-527-2898). As a Memorial to Dody a tree will be planted in a memory woods. A tree grows-memories live. Condolences may be made online at www.munromorris.com