Dorothy Johnson

Dorothy Johnson, born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on August 5, 1944, died unexpectedly but peacefully on Sunday, August 3, 2026.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her father, Hagop Bakerjian; step-father, Yervant Hadidian; mother, Rose Hadidian; former husband, Willard Johnson; the love of her life, Fred Kafka; and her dear friend, John Houck.

She is survived by her beloved son, Markus Conley, and by the many family members and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

Raised in Boston’s close-knit Armenian community, Dorothy treasured her heritage and maintained those family and cultural ties throughout her life. The friendships she formed early in life remained an important part of who she was.

Dorothy devoted much of her life to education, both as a student and as a teacher.

After earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Boston University, Dorothy moved to California to begin a master’s degree program in nursing at University California, San Francisco.

At the height of the counterculture movement, she worked in a clinic serving young people in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district. She would tell of that extraordinary time in American history and of the memorable people she encountered, including singer “Mama” Cass Elliot and counterculture figure Timothy Leary.

In the mid-1970s, Dorothy moved to West Virginia, working in Mingo County, Elkins and Morgantown, where she continued her education at West Virginia University, earning a doctoral degree in education.

In 1981, she joined the faculty of the West Virginia University School of Nursing, serving in administration and as a teacher, mentor and colleague for more than three decades. Her work focused on psychiatric-mental health nursing, adolescent mental health, trauma recovery and community-based care. She was a member of the nursing honorary, Sigma Theta Tau. She retired with emeritus status in 2013.

Family was central to Dorothy’s life. She shared her home with her mother, Rose, lovingly caring for her during her later years. She also made sure that summer vacation included time at the beach in Cape May, where she created treasured memories with Rose and Markus.

Dorothy had a remarkably adventurous spirit: During her late 60s, she learned to fly. She became Fred’s copilot, sharing memorable journeys in his airplane. She embraced new experiences with curiosity and inspiring courage.

Those who knew Dorothy will remember her as thoughtful, independent, intelligent and deeply caring. She valued friendship, meaningful conversation and the simple pleasures of daily life. Her warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Above all, Dorothy was a loving mother, devoted daughter, dedicated teacher and loyal friend. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the memories she created and her warm and personable nature.

Dorothy would remind us of observations she made during her copiloting adventures: No matter how heavy the clouds below, there is always blue sky and sunshine above — and there is breathtaking beauty to be discovered in the spaces between seemingly insurmountable clouds.

A gathering of remembrance will be held at Hasting’s Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown from on Wednesday, August 12th from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to an organization reflecting Dorothy’s lifelong commitment to education, environmental causes or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com