Donna Jo Bartell Johnson

Donna Jo Bartell Johnson, originally of Leadville, Colorado, went to be with our Lord and Savior on April 11th, 2016. She is survived by many dear loved ones, including her husband Tom Johnson, her brother Kim Bartell (wife Beth Bartell), daughters Dawn Booth (husband David Booth) and Kamala Quintana (husband KQ Quintana), her grandchildren Christine and John Booth, nieces Sarah Bartell and Kate Bartell Nowak (husband Ryan Nowak), nephew Scott Bartell, and numerous extended aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and loved ones. A recitation of the rosary will be held Monday April 18th at 7:00 pm at Horan & McConaty (3101 S Wadsworth Blvd. Lakewood) and the funeral mass will be Tuesday April 19th at 10:30 am at Light of the World Catholic Church (10316 W Bowles Ave. Littleton). In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Donna Johnson Memorial Fund. Checks can be sent to Donna's home address. For further details please contact a family member. Donna was born to Donald and Lawana Bartell on April 29th, 1945 and grew up in Leadville, Colorado. From childhood she was full of energy and spirit! She graduated from Leadville High School, Class of '63, then attended Colorado State University. Shortly after that, she became an army officer's wife, which is when she fell in love with the art of entertaining and hosting events. Her daughter Dawn was born in Germany in 1968. After returning to Leadville for a few years, she and Dawn moved to Denver, Colorado. Then, in 1981 something wonderful happened: Donna caught Tom Johnson's eye and heart at the church picnic. They fell in love and made a wonderful life together. Tom, Donna, Dawn, and Tom's daughter Kamala created a happy family. Donna became an avid stain glass artist and enthusiastic golf player. She loved spending time in the mountains and enjoyed teaching Tom how to ski. Donna and Tom moved to Roxborough Park in 1993, where she became a beloved member of their community. One of Donna's delights was being a part of the Windflowers Garden club, which she was president of for many years. Tom and Donna hosted many parties in their home, including wine tastings and blues music performances. They also loved to travel together. Mexico, Germany, and Italy were some of the more exotic experiences, but their most loved destination was Vail, Colorado. Most important of all, Donna was devoted to God and made it her mission to spread His Word and Love. Her life exuded positivity and warmth, powered by the strength of her faith. She taught 5th grade Catechism for 14 years at St. Francis Cabrini, was a Eucharistic Minister, and was an Adoration attendant at her church, Light of the World. Her commitment was inspirational, her kindness humbling, and her great sense of style was dazzling. She embraced life to the fullest and loved spending time with her family and friends. She was happiest with her cross necklace around her neck, a glass of red wine in her hand, and Tom by her side. She was an amazing woman who was living life to its fullest, all the way to her last day. Donna may be departed from us on this Earth, but we know she is now laughing with joy in Heaven. May we all embrace her example and continue to spread light, joy, and love in her stead.