Marcia P. Johnson

Marcia P. Johnson passed away at her home in Sedona, Arizona on August 20, 2025, at age 90. Surrounded by family, she left this world wrapped in the same love and devotion she gave so freely throughout her life. She was loved by her children, extended family and friends. Her life was a gift of love, faith, and family, and her memory will forever live in the hearts of those she touched. She was a wonderful example of true and pure love to all her family.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on February 7, 1935, to Simon and Marion Peterson, Marcia grew up in Minnesota and Wisconsin. She graduated from Wauwatosa High School in 1953 and went on to earn her degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1957. A dedicated elementary school teacher in Brookfield, Wisconsin, she poured her heart into her students just as she did with her own family.

In 1958, Marcia married the love of her life, Hoyt, beginning a beautiful marriage of 60 years. Together, they built not only a home and family but also a life of service and community. With Hoyt, a pharmacist and publisher, Marcia and their children, Tom, John, Hoyt III and Julie, helped own and operate several pharmacies in Wisconsin and later publications in Wisconsin and Arizona, including the Cumberland Advocate, Scottsdale Scene Magazine, and Sedona Magazine.

Family was always Marcia’s greatest joy and proudest achievement. She loved living near her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she cherished working alongside her family every day and felt blessed to share in their daily lives. She lived each day as an example of pure and selfless love. She loved her family with all her heart and supported all their endeavors. Her kindness extended beyond family as well—she served on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Sedona and was a founding member of the Grandma’s Books program at Big Park Community School, gifting more than 500 books to the school's library so children could discover the joy of reading.

Marcia lived a full and vibrant life. She loved music, especially the piano, and enjoyed golf, skiing, hiking, cooking, and her daily neighborhood walks. Her zest for life, gentle spirit, and quiet strength will be remembered by all who knew her.

Marcia is survived by her sons Tom (Noreen) their children Zac (Toni) and Jule; John (Michelle) their children Jack, Hannah (Paul) and Joey; Hoyt III (Robin) and his children Justin, Joshua (Bree) and Jacob; and daughter Julie and her children Erin (Robb), Taylor and Kellie (Keawe); and nine great-grandchildren. Marcia is also survived by her brother Don (Judie) and brother-in-law Paul (Carol). She was preceded in death by her husband, Hoyt, and her parents Simon and Marion Peterson.

A private family service is being planned with burial at Lakeside Cemetery in Cumberland, Wisconsin. Final arrangements are entrusted to Greer’s Mortuary in Sedona, Arizona and Skinner Funeral Home in Cumberland, Wisconsin.