Dorothy Johnson Obituary

DOROTHY TITA THACKER JOHNSON November 6, 1930 - January 18, 2026 Dorothy Thacker Johnson, known to all as "Tita," passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026, in Medford, Oregon, at the age of 95. Born on November 6, 1930, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Tita attended Punahou School and later Stanford University, experiences that helped shape her lifelong curiosity, discipline, and zest for adventure. She married Paul Nelson Johnson Jr., with whom she shared a long and loving marriage for 68 years until his passing in February 2021. Tita, a Hawaiian term meaning "sister," suited her because she embodied the warm and friendly aloha spirit of the name. She was an extraordinarily happy and deeply social person, and it was her Hawaiian-style of graciousness combined with casualness that moved many who were drawn to her and loved her. Her warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm for life left a lasting impression on friends, family and all those fortunate enough to cross her path. Tita lived an exceptionally active and healthy life. A passionate tennis player, she played four times a week well into her 80s and continued playing until the age of 90. While she regularly approached life with resilience, positivity, and determination, surviving colon cancer was the ultimate example of her tenacity. During quiet moments, she also found time to be an avid reader, consuming 5-6 books per week late into her life. Paul and Tita lived for 37 years in San Marino, California, where they raised their three children. During that time, Dorothy volunteered for the Pasadena Junior League and through this affiliation became a docent at the Huntington Library Art Gallery, a role that reflected her love of art, education and community service. In recognition of her dedication and effectiveness, she was given the appointment of The Secretary to the Friends of the Huntington Library, a position she deeply enjoyed for 20 years. In 2001, Tita and Paul returned to her family home in Honolulu, lovingly restoring it and residing there for eight years. The significance of this move and project, reconnecting Tita to her roots and the place that was always dear to her, cannot be underestimated as a contributing factor to the success of her healing process and a testament to Paul's devotion. Notably, Tita witnessed the bombing of Pearl Harbor from the roof of this family home accompanied by her brother, Herbert "Dickey" Thacker and her grandfather, C.W. Dickey, the architect. This would be an event that she would later recount to her grandchildren's classrooms. Tita is survived by her three children: Lynn Johnson Connors, David Dickey Johnson, and Daniel Thacker Johnson and their spouses; and her four grandchildren: Errin Michael Connors, Sean Michael Connors, Brian McCreadie Johnson, and Jennifer Johnson Gutman. Tita Johnson lived a full, vibrant and joyful life. Her legacy of optimism, friendship and love will be cherished always by those who knew her. A private family service was held at Diamond Head Memorial Park, Honolulu on February 12, 2026.