The daughter of a former Speaker of the House of Assembly enjoyed a lengthy administrative career in Bermuda tourism.

Jennifer Johnson was well known on the island and in Britain for her love of dogs — Golden Retrievers in particular.

She judged at dog shows overseas, and with her husband, Richard, was a founding member of the Southern Golden Retriever Club in Britain.

She was recalled by her brother, John Barritt, as “a true giver of herself and her talents”, best known for giving to others.

Ms Johnson had initially planned to train as a nurse, he said.

However, she opted to qualify as an executive secretary and then executive assistant and headed into tourism.

Gary Phillips, a former director at what was then known as the Department of Tourism, said she brought “a sense of duty and commitment” to the job, which included helping him as principal technical adviser to David Dodwell, the tourism minister.

“Though not from a Civil Service background, Jennifer, like few others, understood the importance of the Civil Service and the special talent and skills required to support a politician whose fundamental beliefs were constantly being challenged by the politics of the day and the reality of winning the next election.

“I am very proud that with Jennifer’s assistance, I was able to find a formula that made David Dodwell one of the most respected politicians and an admired Minister of Tourism.”

Mr Phillips added: “When I reflect upon those early years of our professional collaboration, I sensed that Jennifer was really special and inspired.”

Ms Johnson attended the Bermuda High School for Girls, followed by Albert College in Bellevue, Ontario, where her brothers John and Mark later attended.

She is also survived by her younger sister, Martha-Jane Grimm.

Ms Johnson went on to graduate top of her class at Cranleigh Secretarial School.

Mr Phillips said she had a knack in the tourism industry for making others feel special.

“Although self-effacing, Jennifer’s uplifting spirit and sense of service resonated with everyone.”

Mr Dodwell, the former minister, was owner of The Reefs hotel in Southampton, where Ms Johnson also worked.

“She was probably the most unselfish person I have ever me,” he said. “She had such commitment and loyalty; she would put herself last. She cared beyond five o’clock.”

Ms Johnson applied for a job at The Reefs in 1999 after Mr Dodwell had left the Government and once again became his executive assistant.

Mr Dodwell said she was “universally loved” at the hotel.

Ms Johnson was married 56 years to Richard Alan Johnson, an ex-policeman in Bermuda.

Her brother John told The Royal Gazette that Ms Johnson stepped forward as a dedicated caregiver to their parents in their later years.

After the death of their mother, Hillary, in 2006, Ms Johnson and her husband moved into the family home to care for their father, F. John Barritt.

The Johnsons returned to England after his death in 2014.

Mr Barritt said his sister’s devotion to others was matched by her love of dogs, and the couple owned a series of Golden Retrievers over the years.

Pamela Carr, a close friend, said that Ms Johnson’s name became “synonymous” with the popular breed and she helped bring retriever puppies to the island.

“She had an exemplary reputation and many contacts in the UK with top golden retriever breeders,” she said.

Ms Carr added that Ms Johnson was the only Bermudian judge at the Crufts dog show for Golden Retrievers.

“Over the years, Jennifer has helped countless families find their golden puppy.

“She took this task very seriously and always vetted any homes and families she was helping.”

Along with sourcing quality golden puppies, Ms Johnson shared her expertise in caring for the dogs.

Ms Carr added: “I will for ever be grateful for Jennifer’s friendship over the years. Jennifer was a selfless person, always putting the needs of others before herself.”

• Fredericka Jennifer Johnson, who worked for the tourism ministry as well as The Reefs hotel, was born on October 20, 1946. She died on August 1, 2023, aged 76