Doris Lillian (Podritske) Johnson Obituary
Doris Lillian Johnson earned her wings at the age of 87 on March 26th, 2021. Doris was born April 1st, 1933 in Edmonton, Alberta, to Emily and Reinhold (“Reg”) Podritske.
Doris was raised in Nanaimo, BC, where she met her husband, Arthur Alwin Johnson, who lovingly renamed his boat the “Doris P” in her honour. Doris married Arthur on July 26th, 1952 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Nanaimo. After the birth of their two sons, Martin and Stephen, Doris and Art moved to the greater Seattle area several years later, traveling back to Nanaimo to have their youngest two sons, Rick and Randal.
Over the years, Doris worked in a variety of positions from sorting tulip bulbs, baking breads and sweets for the bakery, and later working for many years at the Stanwood Haggen store before retiring to the Burlington area.
Doris was an energetic woman who touched the hearts of many. Throughout her life, she had many talents such as singing, gardening, and baking. She sang at Carnegie Hall and in Washington, D.C. with her singing troupe, the Sweet Adelines, and always enjoyed classics such as “Sentimental Journey” and “Hallelujah.” She was also widely known for her green thumb and grew exceptional cherry tomatoes, along with a wide range of flowers, including her vibrant dahlias. Her bright outlook on life was appreciated by all.
Doris was also a phenomenal baker and seemingly introduced Nanaimo Bars to the United States. In 1958, while her oldest son, Martin, was in Cub Scouts, she brought Nanaimo Bars to the group as a treat. They were received with great admiration and she later made copies of her recipe both for the Cub Scouts’ parents and in the local newspaper. Her homemade peanut butter balls and fruit cake were known by family, friends, and neighbours alike, as were her Nanaimo bars.
Her sweetness and giving spirit will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to have met her.
Doris is survived by sons, Martin (Anita) of Anacortes, Stephen of Arlington, Rick (Christine) of Cle Elum, Randal (Rachel) of Cosmopolis, seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two of her own siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Donald, brother Kenneth, and husband Arthur.
A family gathering will be held at a later date at the home of one of her sons.
