Ethel Doreen Johnson passed away peacefully on October 31, 2023, at the age of 83.

Doreen was born on February 29, 1940, in Edmonton and adopted soon after by Fleming and Margaret Maxell. Doreen spent her early years on a farm near Cadogan, Alberta, with her parents and older brother, Harold. At the age of 12 Doreen moved with her family to Wainwright, Alberta. After graduating from high school, Doreen moved to Edmonton to pursue secretarial studies.

In 1962, Doreen moved to the Yukon where she enjoyed gardening in the summer and skating and reading in the winter. During her time in Whitehorse, she worked as a secretary for the department of housing. From 1969 to 2007 Doreen resided in Edmonton and St. Albert.

Doreen’s love of gardening continued throughout her life. She also enjoyed baking for her family who devoured her cinnamon buns and corn fritters. As well, she enjoyed family card games and listening to pan flute music.

Doreen worked as a medical secretary for many years for doctors in private practice and at the University of Alberta Hospital. Doreen had a strong spiritual bent throughout her life. In 2000, she took classes in meditation culminating in a trip to Thailand and a meditation instructor certificate.

Doreen moved to Pilot Mound, Manitoba, in 2007 where she continued to work part-time in retirement as a secretary for the United Church. In 2017, Doreen returned to Edmonton where she lived until her death.

Doreen is survived by her four children: Steven (NJ), Cheryl (Berend), Mira (Mike) and Michael; grandchildren: Tony, Declan, Maren, Smitty and Mason. She is preceded in death by her husband, Kennith; former husbands, Walter and Lawrence; her parents, Fleming and Margaret; her brother, Harold; her sisters, Pansy and Rose; her stepsisters, Florence and Sister Mary; and her grandson, Patrick.

The family would like to extend thanks for the care Doreen received in her final years from the staff at St. Michael’s Millennium Pavilion and Capital Care Grandview as well as support received from Jewish Family Services.

No funeral or memorial service is planned. There will be a small gathering for immediate family members when gardens are again in bloom.

We invite you to donate to the Parkinson Association of Alberta or a charity of your choice in Doreen’s honor, in place of sending flowers.