It didn’t happen with the fanfare her family had hoped for, but Dorothy (Holte) Johnson celebrated her 100th birthday with at least one of her sons present on Thursday, Nov. 12, in Viking Extendicare.

Daughter-in-law Doris Johnson, of Sedgewick says Dorothy was born near Hughenden, the eldest of nine children, and married local man Leonard Johnson.

The couple raised a family of five children.

She moved from Hughenden at age 81, briefly to Vegreville, then in 2005 chose Flagstaff Lodge in Sedgewick as her home. She stayed there until the Lodge closed, and that being a time where she needed a higher level of care, moved to Viking to Extendicare.

Dorothy (Holte) Johnson celebrated her 100th birthday on Thursday, Nov. 12 at Extendicare in Viking. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only one of her sons, Ken Johnson, was able to spend time with her on her special day. Her family hopes that a larger celebration will be possible at some future date.

Johnson says, “Despite a hearing loss and dementia, she still enjoys modest mobility and the simple pleasures of life.

“Even now, the sight of a small child brings joy to her.”

Dorothy has 13 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.

On the occasion of her 100th, Johnson received many letters, including one from the Right Honourable Julie Payette, the Governor General of Canada; a congratulatory message from HRH Queen Elizabeth II, best wishes from Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a certificate from Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, and from closer to home, a greeting from Battle River-Crowfoot Member of Parliament Damien Kurek.