Martha "Martina" Johnson

Martha ‘Martina’ Johnson (McDonald), age 79, died after a hard fought battle with pancreatic cancer on March 11, 2021, with family by her side.  She was born to the late Martha (Royles) and William McDonald Sr. on December 20, 1941 in Milford, MA.  During her youth, she was active in the International Order of Rainbow Girls and The Christ Episcopal Church in Medway, MA.  She graduated from Medway High School in 1959. Martina then attended Bridgewater State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1963. After teaching for three years in Massachusetts, she moved to Denver, Colorado.  Martina taught elementary school and was a teacher on special assignment in the Denver Public Schools from 1966-1972.  She met and fell in love with Leonard Johnson while bowling in a local league, and they were married in January of 1971.  In 1972, she left teaching to raise her three daughters.

Martina was very active in Girls Scouts assisting with her daughters’ troops, and for several years, she volunteered as the cookie cupboard for her region.  In 1990, she returned to the classroom as a paraprofessional in Jefferson County Public Schools, where she worked for many years. Martina was an avid gardener and Bronco fan. She enjoyed feeding the birds in her yard, and seeing family and sites across the United States.  Most of all, Martina loved being a mother, and a grandmother, and she cherished each of her grandchildren.

Martina is survived by her husband of 50 years, Leonard Johnson, her brother, William McDonald Jr., daughters; Carolyn Johnson-Dragoo (Jeff Dragoo), Kathleen (Chris) Blasi, Diane (Steven) Jasulavic; grandchildren Isaac Blasi, Laura and Jaidyn Dragoo and Devon and Leah Jasulavic, and numerous family members.

The family would like to thank the amazing nurses, doctors, and staff at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers and The Denver Hospice.

Martina’s family and friends are invited to attend her funeral service on Friday, March 19, 2021, at 9:00 AM at Horan and McConaty Family Chapel, located at 3101 South Wadsworth Blvd. Lakewood, CO 80227, immediately followed by a burial service at Fort Logan National Cemetery.  With Covid, we want/expect everyone to be safe and respectful of social distancing, and wear a mask if you plan to attend.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity that assisted Martina during her cancer treatment - Cancer Care CoPayment Assistance Foundation - https://www.cancercare.org/copayfoundation.