Dorothy (Dot) was born on January 20, 1926, in Bristol CT, daughter of the late Raymond Wilson Cook and Florence Yale Cook. She attended William Smith College in Geneva, NY, graduating in 1947. After a brief career in the research department of Eastman Kodak in Rochester, NY, she returned to Bristol where she worked in banking before meeting her husband, Filmore Johnson. They were married in 1957 and settled in West Hartford to raise their family. By 1961, Dot was the mother of three little girls to whom she was totally devoted. She was also a gifted vocalist and was the alto soloist at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hartford, CT, for many years. She began playing golf as the girls got older and carried that passion to Cape Cod where she and Filmore retired in 1984. Dot settled in Brewster and became active in several organizations including the Captains Golf Club, the Cape Cod Hospital Auxiliary, the NoteAbles Singing Group, and the First Church of Harwich choir and handbell choir. She also enjoyed traveling, needlework, reading and doing word puzzles. While living on the Cape, Dot became grandmother (“Mammie”) to nine grandchildren. She was an extraordinary mother and grandmother and modeled unconditional love for all. Mammie will be truly missed.
Dot is survived by her three daughters and their families: Karen and Marshall Spangler of Sandwich, MA, their children, Jennifer and Will Cain, Heather and Matt Forcier, Jillian and Jeff O’Neil and Abigail; Janet and Elbridge Gerry of New Canaan, CT, their children, Caitlin, Ebby, and David; and Susan and Brian Conlan of Sandwich, MA, their children, Michael and Caroline. She also leaves behind her sister, Connie Fichtner, of Simsbury, CT and many nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank the staff at the places Dot called home in recent years for their outstanding and compassionate care; Thirwood Place in South Yarmouth and Bridges by Epoch in Mashpee. We would also like to thank the staff of Cape Cod Hospital and at the end of her life, Fidelis Hospice, for their wonderful care.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, April 11, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home on 154 Route 6A in Sandwich, MA. A memorial service will take place the following week at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hartford, CT, with burial following at Fairview Cemetery in West Hartford, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dot’s memory may be made to the Cape Cod Hospital Auxiliary – Orleans branch and sent to the CCHA Treasurer, 87 Old Bog Road, Brewster, MA 02631.
