Donna Maria (Backlund) Johnston

Donna Maria Backlund Johnston of Canyon City, Oregon was born October 14, 1931. She departed this world on May 21, 2023, in John Day, Oregon. She was 91 years old.

Donna was born in Kalispell, Montana. She was the oldest daughter of Ole and Dora Backlund. She was joined by her younger sister Lola. Their family traveled and lived in several logging towns in Montana, Idaho, and Oregon. Donna attended several schools as a child including the Howard School, east of Prineville, St. Mary’s Academy in Portland and graduated from Crook County High School in Prineville.

It was in Prineville that she married Robert Johnston in 1949. They were destined for a marriage that endured 74 years. Together they had five children. Their marriage has been an inspiration to their children, and grandchildren. They lived in several small towns in Oregon including Prineville, Izee, Seneca, John Day, and most recently Canyon City.

Donna enjoyed reading, camping, picnics, swimming, traveling, wine making, dancing, and art. She had a tremendous sense of humor and shared it with friends and family. Donna instilled in her children the importance of family, a love for reading, commitment, integrity, a sense of adventure, and how to make the best of whatever happens.

After most of her children were grown, Donna entered a different kind of work force. She even took a job harvesting Christmas trees one year. Donna soon found employment that she would come to love at the Grant County Child Care Center in Canyon City providing daycare and teaching preschool. She eventually became the Director of the Center, adding kindergarten classes to the business. She pursued her education attending conferences, workshops, and college classes. Donna served at the center for 35 years impacting many children in a positive way. She also worked as an Early Intervention Home Educator and administered hearing screens in the schools for the Grant County ESD. Donna was active in many community committees including the Grant County Library, Mental Health Board, Children’s Advocacy Board (CASA), St. Elizabeth’s Parish Board, and was a teacher and director of religious education classes. She was active in the preservation of St. Charles Mission Church in Seneca.

After retiring, Donna continued to pursue other interests, but enjoyed being with family as much as anything. She spent the last couple of years coping with an injury that caused her pain and impaired her ability to walk. Donna met this challenge just as she met life, with dignity, stoicism, and perseverance. She never gave up. Her family was privileged to give back to someone who had given so much to them. Donna was a remarkably kind woman who was much loved and admired.

Donna was proceeded in death by her parents, a sister, and two beloved grandchildren, Melanie Johnston and Taylor Myers.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband Robert, children, Glen (Peggy) Johnston, Diane (Mike) Browning, Michael (Cathy) Johnston, Shelley (Scott) Myers, Karen (Don) Johnston Broemeling, 9 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.

Services were held on May 31, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in John Day, and interment at St. Andrew’s Cemetery Canyon City. 

 Memorial contributions may be made to the Ladies of St. Elizabeth through Driskill Memorial Chapel, 241 S. Canyon Blvd., John Day, OR 97845.

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