Donna Johnson

Donna Jean Johnson

Begamashik, Eagle Flying Over Horizon

November 29, 1947~ March 26, 2026

Donna Jean Johnson, age 78, passed away on March 26, 2026, at 5:47 a.m. at the Red Lake Hospital surrounded by her family and loved ones. She was born November 29, 1947, to Eugene Johnson Sr. and Elizabeth “Betty” Johnson. She was of the migizi “eagle” clan and her Ojibwe name was Begamashik meaning Eagle Flying Over Horizon, a special name she received from her auntie, Goldie Johnson.

Donna spent most of her life in her homelands of the Red Lake Nation, raising three children and dedicating 30-plus years of service to the Red Lake School District as the Ponemah Elementary School secretary. She graduated from Red Lake High School in 1965. Afterward, she attended beautician school in Minneapolis then worked at the Ponemah Head Start and at the Ponemah school as a nurse before beginning her career as a school secretary. 

Donna retired a few years ago from the school district and spent much of her time with loved ones, including her cat, Blossom, who she rescued as a kitten. She enjoyed company, telling stories of growing up in Ponemah and Redby, and learning about her family history. She liked car rides, visits to area casinos, rummage sales, good food, and surprise phone calls from loved ones and longtime friends. She did like to travel and one of her favorite trips was to Hawai’i.

She will be remembered for being an amazing mother and grandmother, her beautiful smile, her love of family and friends, and the many joys she found in life.

A special Miigwech to the Inpatient staff at Red Lake Hospital.

Donna will be remembered by her daughter Heather (Ahmad) Imam, sons Bruce Dow Jr. and Dalton (Taté) Walker, grandchildren Ohíya Walker and Peyton Kingbird; sisters Chele and Vicki Johnson; brothers Dan and Richard Johnson. Donna was preceded in death by her parents Eugene and Elizabeth, sisters Gail Mills, Lulu Johnson, brothers Mitchell, Stuart and Eugene “Sonny” Johnson Jr.

A Celebration of Life and a private family burial to follow at a later date.

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