Johnson, Doris Buckley
April 19, 1916 – July 23, 2010
Doris passed away at the age of 94 from complications of pulmonary fibrosis. Doris was born in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of William and Hope Buckley. The family moved to Seattle, Washington when Doris was 11 years old. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1934. Doris swam on the national championship and world record holding Washington Athletic Club freestyle relay team in the mid 1930's. The team trained at West Green Lake from the spring to the fall, then swam indoors at the WAC during the winter months. The team set the world record for the 800-meter freestyle relay at the 1935 AAU outdoor championships. In 2006, Doris and her teammates were inducted into the Pacific Northwest Swimming Hall of Fame.
In 1936, Doris married Chet Johnson. They built a small brick house near Green Lake, where they started their family. In 1947 they moved to the Meadowdale area of Edmonds, Washington where they built their dream home, complete with a salt water swimming pool for Doris' daily swim. In 1957 Doris started working as an elementary school secretary, working at Lynndale and retiring from Seaview Elementary in 1974. In 1977 Chet and Doris started wintering in the Palm Springs area where they kept active golfing and swimming.
Doris was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years on April 26. She is survived by her two children, Dave (Inge) Johnson and Jill (Jack) Fritz; four grandchildren, Julie (Dan) Reeder, Kristie Fritz, Ken (Amy Montanye) Johnson, Kurt (Sheri) Fritz; and four great-grandchildren. Doris was always positive and loving. She will be missed by her family and friends.
At Doris' request, no service will be held.
Memorial gifts may be made to Providence Hospice of Snohomish County, 2731 Wetmore Avenue #500, Everett, WA 98201 or online at www.providence.org/phhc.
Published in The Herald (Everett) on August 1, 2010