Dorothy R. (Johns) Hanson died peacefully at Jordan Hospital on Dec. 24 at age 88. She was the wife of the late Russell Hanson and mother of her late son, Robin. Born in Roslindale, Dorothy lived for many years in Randolph before moving to Plympton in 1984. A Business School graduate she managed the personnel department for R.H. Stearns of Boston.

At age 13 she attended the rodeo at Boston Garden where she was awarded a pony as winner of an essay contest. Dorothy and “Pinky” grew up together riding the Blue Hills. Pinky lived 24 years winning many ribbons. Dorothy received recognition from The Pinto Horse Association of America in 1961 for her “extraordinary efforts in behalf of the Association and its ideals”.

At age 55 Dorothy rescued a mistreated 4 year old Registered American Quarterhorse, “Charlie Eagle”. The small woman and her strong horse became great friends. Charlie Eagle lived 28 years.

Dorothy raised award winning rabbits and was a talented artist specializing in horse portraits. Dorothy and her cat “Sheena” moved to the Allerton House in Duxbury in March of 2007 where they lived quite happily.

Memorial donations may be sent to Black Feather Rescue Inc, a nonprofit horse rescue operation, at 190 Rear Russell Mills Road, Plymouth MA 02360.