Santa
Monica
Mirror
Reflecting the
Concerns of the Community
May
23 – 29, 2001
Esther M. Johnson, the first woman admitted to the 1.18-million member
Rotary International, was honored for 50 years of service to the Rotary Club of
Santa Monica at a tribute dinner Friday, May 18th.
The Santa Monica club installed her as the first woman member of a Rotary
Club in 1986.
Johnson became a pianist for the Santa Monica club in 1951, and in 1977
was named full-time executive secretary.
But it wasn’t until 1986 that she became a Rotarian herself after the
international service club lifted its ban on female members.
When the long time Santa Monica resident attended a Rotary International
convention in Germany as the first woman Rotarian, she received an ovation.
Johnson has attended several international conventions since.
“She is just an inspiration for all of us,” said Victoria Radel,
Rotary district governor, at the event Friday.
Radel thanked Johnson “for paving the way for women.”
Johnson, now retired as executive secretary, received written
commendations and letters of congratulations Friday from the Cities of Los
Angeles and Santa Monica, California Governor Gray Davis, former President
George Bush, former First Lady, Barbara Bush, and Rotary International
president Frank J. Devlyn.
Among speakers honoring Johnson at the dinner were current club president
John Lehne; and past presidents Edward Rafeedie, a federal judge; the Rev.
Donald Shelby, Johnson’s former pastor; and Dr. Richard J. Rice.
Many past presidents of the Rotary Club of Santa Monica – which is one
of the largest chapters in the Los Angeles area – were among those who
attended.
Johnson, a member of the local Rotary’s district’s Hall of Fame, is a
native of Brookline, Massachusetts.
She and her husband Oliver (“Ole”) Johnson, were married in 1936.
Ole is an honorary member of the Santa Monica club.