Beatrice Johnson

Beatrice Marian Johnson, 62, died peacefully in her home from cancer Sunday, May 8, 2011. She was surrounded by family at the time of her passing.

Her family will host a celebration of life on Sunday, May 22, at 3 p.m. in the Salamatof building of Cook Inlet Senior Center, 9131 Centennial Drive. All friends, family and former co-workers of Beatrice and her family are invited to attend the celebration, which will be a Mexican food themed potluck. All attendees are welcome to bring their favorite Mexican food dish.

Beatrice was born an Alaska Native in McGrath on Dec. 3, 1948.

She left McGrath at age 4 and grew up in San Jose, Calif., where she eventually worked as a secretary. Beatrice returned to Alaska in 1978, when she moved to Haines. In 1982, she moved to Anchorage.

Beatrice recently retired from the Municipality of Anchorage, where she worked as an executive assistant to the director of operations.

Beatrice will always be remembered for her witty poems, love of her family and loyalty to her friends. She was an excellent mother, cook and writer.

Beatrice is survived by her daughter, Amanda Landon of Anchorage; her son, Matthew Johnson of Peoria, Ariz.; her mother, Avis Dunkin of Anchorage; her sister, Rachel Dunkin of Republic, Wash.; her brother, Bernard Ivey of Juneau; her brother, Gerald Ivey of Anchorage; and her brother, Richard W. Dunkin of Lake Havasu, Ariz.

She was preceded in death by her father, Richard W. Dunkin Sr.; her sister, Irene Proctor; her sister, Bernice Mayer; and her brother, Mac Ivey.

Arrangements are with Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel.