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Donna Jean Johnson

1956 - 2020

Donna Jean Johnson obituary, 1956-2020, Miami, MA

BORN

1956

DIED

2020

FUNERAL HOME

Bell-O'Dea Funeral Home - Brookline

376 Washington St

Brookline, Massachusetts

Donna Johnson Obituary

JOHNSON, DONNA JEAN 63, artist, Special Olympian and Downs Syndrome angel, died May 6, 2020 in Boston from Covid-19 pneumonia. Donna was a multiple gold medalist in Bowling and Track & Field, and 25 years ago found a haven at Gateway Arts in Brookline, MA, where she could explore her talents and develop into an acclaimed artist. Painting became her passion and jewelry was her joy. Donna learned to speak after receiving specialized hearing aids at age 42, was a forever child and also a lady. Donna was born November 4, 1956 in Miami, FL to Lee P. Johnson of Ackworth, NH and Katherine R. McDonough Johnson of Norwood, MA, whom have predeceased her. She is survived by siblings MaryEllen Johnson, Richard Johnson, Judith Keefe (William), Shirley O'Neil, Beverly Penzell, twin Ronald Johnson (Stephanie), John Johnson, and Cynthia Magnole (Anthony); Nieces Tina Huron (Jon) and Jessica Bollhoefer (Andrew); nephew Michael Magnole (Kim) and great-nephews Logan Bollhoefer and Charles Bollhoefer. Spending early years with her Aunt Del, Delia Haldane, Donna sustained close relationships with cousin Beverly McMillan and her children: Todd, Peter, Cindy and Lisa. Donna and her 8 siblings CHERISHED the several weeks a year she spent with each of them and their friends around the country. Weekends in Winthrop with her sister and protector, Shirley O'Neil, Donna was able to stay physically active and fully engaged in life, including nurturing her special friendship with Joyce Gourdoupi in Brookline, visiting cousins and attending Catholic mass. Donna was a sweet, happy and gentle soul, while maintaining a sense of mischief andhumor. She loved music, dancing, singing, jacuzzis, popsicles, babies, 'party dinners' and was always ready to 'go out'. Her biggest pleasure was traveling, whether to Miami, Port St. Lucie, New York or Chicago. Donna was authentic, full of love, a gift, with a strong constitution. Every day she gave her best effort, always ever present, a dependable best friend and anhonor to know. A celebration of Donna's loving life will be held when appropriate (at Gateway Arts in the coming months). Family pre-ference for memorial contributions for Donna Jean is to please support www.gatewayarts.org in Brookline. The professionals, dedicated employees, and the artists, Donna's colleagues, will make the most of much needed support at this time. We are also grateful to the Boston medical community for taking such good care of Donna Jean, particularly at the end of her life, helping us talk with her during this incredibly difficult time. Donna, we will forever miss you and the fun you brought to life.
Published by the Miami Herald on May 24, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Donna Johnson

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6 Entries

Debbie Kapitan

June 9, 2020

My condolences to the family of Donna Johnson may she rest in peace

Simone Taylor

June 7, 2020

Please except my deepest sympathies to you and your family. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Erica Sutherland

May 27, 2020

Donna was such a treasure!! I had the pleasure of working with her at Gateway Arts and she was always such a sweetheart. She was a talented artist, a hard worker, and always had a great sense of humor. Her warm and loving spirit will be missed!

Simone Taylor

May 26, 2020

I know that even though you have a loss, you still have some great memories. I hope those memories will give you comfort in knowing God is with you and your family lean on him in your time of sorrow.

Maxie Magnole

May 24, 2020

Donna Jean Johnson was an amazing young lady. She was funny. And so very smart and talented. Those of us who knew Donna are the lucky one to have known her and had her in our lifes. She will be miss and will always be remembered and in our hearts ♥ RIP Donna Jean.

rae edelson

May 24, 2020

Donna was an amazing artist, woman, stylish dresser, warm individual whm I worked with for over 20 years at Gateway Arts in Brookline, a stdio art center for individuals with special needs. Both Donna and her enthusiastic supportive family brought joy and great art to all.
We celebrate her life and art at Gatewayarts.org and will honor her and the family in June on our website with the Beverly Bernson award. Rae Edelson, Director Gateway Arts

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Bell-O'Dea Funeral Home - Brookline

376 Washington St, Brookline, MA 02445

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