January 21, 1936 - November 8, 2019
Dorothea Johanson of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, November 8, 2019 at the age of 83 years.
Dorothea was born in Red Deer, Alberta on January 22, 1936. She pursued her musical education at the Canadian Nazarene College in Red Deer, then studied piano with Gladys Egbert in Calgary and with Boris Roubakine at the Banff School of Fine Arts. She was an active member of many organizations including the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers (Provincial Representative), Alberta Registered Music Teachers' Association (President), Calgary Arts Summer School Association (Treasurer & Special Projects Convenor Emeritus), Alberta Piano Teachers Association and The Canadian Club. She proudly volunteered with the Calgary Arts Summer Camp, the Canadian Club, the Honens Piano Competition and provided students for Downtown Piano on-the-Mall performances. Dorothea was a self-employed private piano teacher for more than 50 years in Calgary. Her colleagues admired her for her unique student recitals and respected her as an exceptional musician and teacher who created many enthusiastic musicians. "She was a personal example of elegance and excellence. A big thank you goes to Dorothea for the great blessing we all received just by knowing her".
Dorothea accomplished much through her life and although she had no children of her own, she was especially proud of her students and their successes! She also took a special interest in her sister's children and their children. Her faithfulness in honoring their achievements and remembering special occasions will always be fondly remembered. Dorothea enjoyed a passion for photography, annual trips to the mountains, as well as season tickets to the opera and symphony concerts. Dorothea's most memorable vacation was when she and her sister, Ethel, traveled to Sweden, the homeland of their paternal grandparents in 2014. Visiting with family, experiencing Swedish traditions again and seeing Bache, the location where Grandma and Grampa Johanson had lived, was a treasured memory. One of Dorothea's favourite quotes was, "Don't cry for me, for I go to where music is born". (Last words of J.S. Bach 1685 - 1750). She will be most remembered for her welcoming smile and gracious living!
Dorothea is survived by her sister Ethel Magnus of Salt Spring Island, B C and nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends.
Dorothea was predeceased by her parents, Oscar and Faith Johanson of Burnt Lake; grandparents, Erik and Dorothea Johanson, John and Margaret Moseley; and brother-in-law John Magnus.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at First Church of the Nazarene (65 Richard Way S.W., Calgary, AB) on Friday, November 22, 2019 at 1:00 pm.
Funeral Services will be held at First Church of the Nazarene (65 Richard Way S.W., Calgary, AB) on Friday, November 22, 2019 at 2:00 pm. Reception to follow in the Fireside Room. Graveside Service will be held on a later date. Condolences may be forwarded through www.McInnisandHolloway.com.
The family would like to thank the Chinook Care Centre for their kind and gentle care of Dorothea in her last year of life; family members, especially Margaret Fehr; Melva Sanguinetti and the many friends who faithfully visited and inspired her with stories, humor, music, and devotional times; Pastor Blain and the Nazarene Church; her beloved music colleagues, and Chris Smith for his friendship and conscientious attention to details.
A tree will be planted in living memory of Dorothea Johanson. McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.
McInnis & Holloway Funeral Home