UPDATE: For the sake of posterity and to clarify any misconceptions, these words weren’t mine - they were written by my parents and my Grandpa, but I did get the honor of reading them to those present at my Grandma’s service.

I’m working on a more permanent online memorial for my amazing Grandmother who passed away almost a month ago now, but in the meantime I wanted to share something here.

The eulogy I read during the service:

Dorothy Eloise Mack Johansson was born October 22, 1926 in Woodland, CA although she grew up in Pacific Grove and always called that home. Her nearly 87 years were full beyond what we will be able to share today.

One of two children, her brother Ben preceded her in death. Dorothy is survived by her husband, Bob, with whom she shared over 61 years of marriage. Dorothy and Bob raised four wonderful children, Roberto, Richard, Beth and Wilfred. Richard also preceded her in death.

Bob and Dorothy have 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren who Dorothy fawned over at every opportunity.

Dorothy was highly educated and a gifted musician. She earned a bachelors degree in music from Wheaton College and a Masters Degree in Religious Education from Biblical Seminary in NYC.

In 1954, Dorothy and Bob were commissioned as missionaries to Latin America, she in religious education and he in evangelism. They subsequently served 25 years in Chile where both are beloved to this day.

Upon their return from the mission field Bob served as pastor of numerous churches in Northern and Central California while Dorothy directed choirs for children and adults, participated as a Discussion Leader for Bible Study Fellowship, lead many groups of United Methodist Women, ran many Vacation Bible Schools and served in every capacity she was ever asked.

Dorothy loved flowers, a love she gained from her father. Roses were her favorite above all of God’s beauty. She not only loved to grow them, she would cut and share them every chance she got.

To describe Dorothy as a busy person is laughable. She could run circles around a roadrunner until her final year of life.

Her favorite purpose in hurrying through life was anything to do with sharing the joy of her faith in Jesus. She supported numerous ministries with her time and finances and was always on the lookout for some needy soul to help.

Dorothy stepped from this life into eternal life September 25, 2013 after a brief struggle with cancer. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.