Dorothy Johansen

Beloved family matriarch, Dorothy Anna Simons Johansen, with a song in her heart flew over mortal walls July 17th, 2013. Like an ascending songbird’s heavenly sounds, this beautiful woman's angelic voice and songs awaken us. It resonates with tones of creation's first morning. It summons all of us, through ages of trying, ages of refining, daring us to give full voice, of our love and thanksgiving for her life in story, doing, and being, ever new…resonant and heard once…again and again.

Born to Harold Earl and Fredda Mable Olson Simons April 26, 1918 in Lehi, Utah her life of 95-years was shared with everyone that she met, with an inquisitive, engaging, caring sweet spirit, always concerned about individual's well-being, supportive of their personal interests, the "wind beneath their wings" with a kind word, or deed. When her heart stopped, a part of each of our hearts stopped too.

Dorothy had a sweet gentle spirit and a wry sense of humor. She had the rare capacity to listen intently and respond kindly. She bore her hardships with grace, fortitude, and patience.

Eugene Johansen, "Now there's a Good Man", her father said, became her husband. Their living love affair encompassed all their individual and joint accomplishments. As helpmates to one another, they sealed life eternal in God’s Temple. The intensity of their love lasted.

Utah’s Governor Clyde appointed Dorothy his personal social secretary, responsible for arrangements, greeting, and hosting guests of State. Dorothy was actively engaged in the LDS Church. She served in Primary, YWMIA, and Relief Society.

Dorothy grieved because she was not blessed with offspring. Still she mothered and blessed thousands of children with her unconditional love, caring for their souls, giving attention as a teacher, adoptive aunt, grandmother, and friend. Her home was a happy place where children learned and grew on the path to successful earthly lives. Dorothy enjoyed playing with all children, was accepting of them and their friends. Her zest for life enriched those whose souls she touched. Her ever present charm, generous heart, captivating smile, and loving, beautiful big blue eyes were irresistible, filled with joyous ecstasy. Dorothy’s rules and conduct through magical tunnels of love have firmly established many on straight and narrow paths back to Heavenly Father. Many who, came to her in their youth, return frequently as adults honoring her in word and deed as their grand, mother. Due to her faithfulness, in eternity, she will have millions of children around her, even nations of her own.

Dorothy is eldest of the ten children. The Great Depression, co-operation of 13-super markets by her parents, aunt and uncle necessitated she assume nurturing responsibilities for her brothers and sisters. Full of wit, stories, and rhymes, told in many dialects that she learned from her father, she always made them laugh and learn the "language of love". The shared songs of love, joy, and happiness in her soul were truly gifts and merciful blessings that bound her family together. She was a loving sister, who encouraged the best from her family. Always fair, she was a patient and supportive teacher, overly generous with her limited possessions. Dorothy's love of adventure gave every activity a creative twist with a good dose of invention. She helped her siblings build their lives in education, music, accomplishment, satisfaction, and faith. She complimented everyone. She knew it important for all to feel good and have self-confidence.

Dorothy’s voice of an angel landed her leads in Granite high school musical productions and many singing opportunities including an invitation to become professional. Her mother and father were musically talented. Instrumental and vocal music were ever present and expressed in the Simons/Olson home as essential part of family life and learning. The tradition lives on. Dorothy was a talented professional window designer for high fashion stores and loved exquisitely decorating her home; everyone’s home away from home with a welcome sign on her front door. She loved family and friends who came for long winter or summer stays; or just to say, hello. A humble woman, seeking no elaborate-praise. Dorothy is survived by Sisters Beverly Merrill, Bonnie Malmrose, Brothers Spence W., Dan C., and Harvey L. Simons. Preceded in death by her parents, sister, Marjorie L. Henze, brothers John, Earl, and Fred Simons.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at 11am at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary (3401 S. Highland Dr.). There will be a gathering Monday night from 6-8pm at the mortuary as well as one hour prior to service. Interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.