Maija Elizabeth Johnson, 22, was born December 4, 1996 in Phoenix. Maija passed away in the presence of her loving mother, Elizabeth “Libby” Makela Johnson in the early morning on September 25, 2019 in New Haven.
Maija was the beloved daughter of Joshua Johnson and Marsha K. Guess of Greenwood Village, CO.
The eldest sister to Drew Johnson and Estella Rose Guess Johnson, Maija would do anything she could to make her sisters smile and make their days special. Maija loved music, learning, and especially helping others. Even when things weren’t going her way, she would try to help family members, friends, and even strangers overcome their challenges, temporarily forgetting about her own.
Since her passing, countless memories have been shared of her as a beautiful baby, a startlingly bright young girl, and finally, a warm and caring young woman that ultimately gave more to the world than she took away. Maija is survived by strong family members and friends, all of whom that knew her and are now charged with following her example of making the world a better place, one tiny kindness at a time. Maija would want you to help that stranger in need, and to reach out and share that story with a lonely friend — and just to remember her for a quiet moment when you do so.
A celebration of Maija’s life will take place Friday, October 4, 2019 at 12:00 Noon at Center Church on the Green, 250 Temple St, New Haven. Immediately following the service, there will be a reception at the church parish house, 311 Temple St, New Haven, CT 06511, until 4:00 PM. Please wear something cheerful and happy to celebrate Maija’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that Maija be remembered with a donation to the non-profit Phoenix House New Hampshire. Forms can be accessed via their website (www.phoenixhouse.org/donate-to-phoenix-house-new-england/). Please dedicate this donation to “Maija Elizabeth Johnson Memorial Fund for Resident Support”. This will ensure your kindness is allocated appropriately. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St, New Haven. To leave a message of comfort for the Johnson family, please visit, www.hkhfuneralservices.com