Dr. Catherine Genevieve Dougherty Johnson,  “Gen” age 87,  11/17/33–9/4/2021

We have lost our brilliant, beloved mother. Goes to join her dear husband Leighton, son Joseph Brian, parents Joseph and Irene Dougherty and sister Mary (Bachman) in heaven. Survived by children Leighton III (Elaine), Peter (Sandy) Catherine Nelson (Jim), Daniel, Sarah Aronovici (Chris), many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends.

She taught and did research at the U. of M., and the U. of Iowa. She taught at Holy Angels (also was an alumna), Visitation High School, and elsewhere. A women’s pioneer in teaching & research, she loved nature and studied throughout her life, publishing multiple  scientific papers. With her husband, she founded Orion Farm in Waverly, where they grew & sold heritage roses. Environmentalist since 1960s. B.S. in Chemistry, U. St. Catherine, M.A. in Teaching, U. St. Thomas, M.S. in Zoology, Ph.D. in Cellular Biology, U. MN. Phi Beta Kappa.

Mass of Christian Burial was at 10am on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at St Olaf’s Catholic Church in Mpls. Visitation was from 9-10am prior to the Mass at church. A Memorial gathering was held on Sunday, September 26, 2021 from 2-3pm with K of C Rosary at 3 pm, at the Church of St. Mary’s in Waverly. Interment was in Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights.