The Blöndal family
By Nelson Gerrard
Doris Marjorie Blöndal Johnson., born on her grandparents’ farm in the Brú district of Manitoba in 1921, grew up in Winnipeg and took her education there in public schools and at the University of Manitoba.
An active participant in university life and the recipient of several athletic awards, she served as the first president of the Women's Athletic Directorate and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics in 1942. Doris then did post-graduate work in dietetics at Toronto’s General Hospital and served as Chief Dietitian at the Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.
In 1943, in Halifax, Doris Blöndal married Lieutenant George Johnson, RCN, and during the remaining war years she served as a volunteer with the Red Cross and various hospitals, also helping war brides get settled in Manitoba.
Dr. George and Doris (Blöndal) Johnson
In 1950, Doris Blöndal Johnson moved with her husband to Gimli, where she raised their family and became involved in community affairs, including the Women's Institute, Kinettes, the Curling League, and the Lutheran Church. She was also instrumental in bringing figure skating instruction and the Red Cross Swimming program to Gimli, as well as helping to establish Gimli's first kindergarten.
Following the family's move to Winnipeg in 1958 and Dr. Johnson's appointment as Minister of Health and Public Welfare, Doris continued her community work, serving as a Director of the Victoria Order of Nurses and the University of Manitoba Alumni Association while parenting six children. She also taught home economics and worked in public relations for both the Manitoba Speed Skating Association and Manitoba Special Olympics.
In 1986, when Dr. Johnson was appointed Manitoba's 20th Lieutenant-Governor, Mrs. Johnson became Chatelaine of Government House, a role she performed with grace and dignity throughout her husband's six years in office.
A loving and cherished mother and a woman characterized by generosity, wit, and indomitable spirit, Doris Marjorie Blöndal Johnson passed away at her home in Winnipeg at age 74 in 1996. She was predeceased by her husband in 1995.
(For details on the family of Doris and Dr. George Johnson, see The Honourable Dr. George & Doris Johnson.)