Dorothy Kennedy Johnson, 100 of Laramie died July 2, 2017 at Laramie Care Center.
Born April 3,1917 in Griggsville, Illinois. Dorothy left home to attend Blessing Hospital Nursing School, Quincy, Illinois and after graduating she joined the United States Army. In Santa Barbara, California she met Erik A. Johnson from Rawlins, Wyoming, and married August 5, 1942. After several army moves they relocated to Rawlins until 1948 when they moved to Laramie.
Dorothy started working for Drs. Vivian and McCarty in 1956 and then was a nurse at UW Student Health Infirmary until her retirement around 1982. Dorothy could be seen walking from 11th and Park to Student Health in her starched white uniform, white nylons and polished nursing shoes every shift – nowhere to park she would claim.
After joining the Heritage Club Dorothy got to go on many fun trips and visit places we only dream about. Her other joys at age 66 were living with Maleta and Tom and her granddaughters and being part of their lives. She had never gone to school activities with her children but there was time to do that now. There were lots of trips to the Johnson homestead in Carbon County, plays in Denver, a great trip to Disneyworld, trips to her family in Illinois and family activities that she was always invited to. Dorothy spent many hours at 4H activities supporting her granddaughters. For many years she helped her daughter Maleta with the home daycare and delighted when she taught someone to write their name or tie their shoes. Her lap was always available for a child especially if they had a book. At age 80 with granddaughters out of high school Dorothy was done with living with others but at 96 she was once again living with Maleta and Tom. Springwind Assisted Living was Dorothy’s next home for 14 months and then to Laramie Care for two months.
Dorothy was predeceased by her husband Erik in 1978, ten brothers and sisters who all lived near their birthplace in Illinois. Dorothy is survived by a son Erik A (Rick) Johnson II (Linda) and granddaughter Lena who chose to walk out of Dorothy’s life many years ago. Also surviving is daughter Maleta and her husband Tom who was like a son to Dorothy and their daughters Tonya (Mike) Munari of Casper and Erin (Ray Berris) Mangan of Windsor, Colorado. Grandchildren are Jameson Munari, Addison Munari and Carson Munari and bonus grandchildren are Rhianna Berris, Noah Berris and Mary Berris. There were many foster children who were part of the Mangan family that Dorothy remembered and the daycare children who stole her heart.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, July 7, at 10:00 a.m. at Montgomery Stryker Funeral Home with the Reverend Rhett Ivey officiating and military rites Laramie Veterans Honor Guard and the Wyoming National Guard. Cremation has taken place and remains will be scattered by the family at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Laramie Plains Museum, 603 E. Ivinson Ave., Laramie, Wyoming 82070.
Dorothy was very kind and helpful to me when I worked as an aide at Student Health about 40 years ago. Condolences to her family and friends.
Maleta, Tom, Erin, Tonya and families - What a really great life Aunt Dorothy lived. I always wished she had lived closer to the Kennedy clan in order to know her better. I still have the wonderful memories of the many visits you made, and so thankful for the recent Hannibal luncheon. You and the family will be in my prayers during this difficult time.
Maleta, Tom, Tonya & Erin - We were so sorry to hear of Nanny's passing. I can still remember sitting with her in the rocking chair reading books when I didn't feel well. Her laugh was my favorite! I always appreciated as a kid that I could be taller than an adult; there were so many years of caring for others packed into her tiny frame. We'll be keeping you close in our hearts while you grieve such a special woman.