Dolores Reyes-Johnson

December 12, 1954 – July 4, 2011

Dolores Reyes-Johnson was born on December 12, 1954 in Monroe, Washington. Surrounded by her loving family and dearest friends, she went to be with the Lord on July 4, 2011. Dolores was pre-deceased by her loving parents, father Celedonio “Sammy” Reyes, mother, Violet “Vi” Reyes, and brothers Rudolfo and Samuel “Sam” Reyes, Jr.

Dolores started life in a “farming camp” in the country side of Monroe. She relocated to Everett with her parents and brother when her father opened his first barber shop. She was a very beloved daughter, whose precocious side and wry sense of humor, although challenging, made her special to all those who loved and befriended her.

Dolores led an adventurous life that took her many places and also gave her the opportunity to keep her close relationships with her Reyes family in California and Texas. Those who also travelled to be by her side during her illness were her uncles, Tomas and Lino Reyes, Aunt Juanita Reyes from Texas and cousins Alfredo Sanchez & Sylvia Reyes Sanchez, from California

Dolores took great pride and possessed great love for her daughter, Crystal Reyes, her sons Cameron and Lukas, her daughters-in-law Kristen and Monica Reyes, and her beautiful grandchildren, Lukas Reyes, Jr. and Courtney Reyes and Hudson, Talon and Celedonio “Sammy” Reyes IV. Her daughter, sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren both individually and as a collective family, brought her great joy and happiness. She in turn provided them with the love, respect for family, and knowledge of her two cultures, Mexican and Native American. Special acknowledgement from the family to Joe and Noma Dias who held a special place in Dolores’ heart.

Dolores also leaves behind her loving sister Linda Martini and many nieces, nephews, cousins and aunts and uncles.

Outside of her love for family, all who knew the “Fisher-Woman” know that her Christian and Native American faith and her Tulalip Tribal heritage were two of the most cherished and respected passions Dolores possessed.

She was a wonderful mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend, who touched the lives of many. None more loved than her best friend, soul mate, and husband, Mark Johnson. Mark was her “Rock” who shared with her many happy times on the ocean collecting sand dollars, attending music concerts, helping Dolores maintain their beautiful home and most importantly her park like yard and flower gardens. Those who knew Dolores know that she took care of her flowers like she took care of her friends, with loving attention and caring. Mark supported Dolores’ love for family and friends. He helped maintain the link with all of her relatives. Their love was one of loyalty, true friendship, and caring for one another, no matter what the situation. Her love for Mark and his for Dolores, was unconditional, the rarest form of love a couple can possess.

Dolores was a woman of many talents. Her love of music, talent on the “spoons”, and drums, brought Dolores fun times and enjoyment as a younger woman. In more recent years, Dolores purchased a fishing boat named the “Sam & Vi”. She took on the life of a “Fisher Woman” and took great achievement with each haul of fish. Dolores had found her niche.

The family wishes to acknowledge the contributions and support of the Tulalip Tribes and Hospice nurse Sherry Mendoza, and her loving care-giver and niece Dawn Johnson.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate the life of Dolores Reyes-Johnson. A viewing will be held from 2 to 3 p.m., on Thursday, July 7, 2011, at Schaefer Shipman Funeral Home located at 804 State Avenue, Marysville, Washington, 98270.

The inter-faith service will be held at 6:00 p.m., Thursday evening at Tulalip Tribal Center located at 6700 Totem Beach Road, Tulalip, Washington, 98271.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., on Friday, July 8, 2011, Tulalip Tribal Center located at 6700 Totem Beach Road, Tulalip, Washington, 98271. Burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home, Marysville, WA.