Madeleine Margaret Johnson

Madeleine (McGinn) Johnson was born at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles on December 24, 1939, along with her twin brother, Bill. Maddy and Bill grew up in residential Hollywood. They attended 3rd Street Elementary School together, and then Maddy went on to graduate with honors from Immaculate Heart High School. Maddy was an excellent student and lifelong learner. She received her bachelor’s degree from Immaculate Heart College and her master’s degree in library science from UCLA, which led to a position working at the Huntington Library. In 1967 Maddy married Joseph Johnson in Los Angeles, and they remained happily married for 56 years. They welcomed their first child in 1969 and moved to San Luis Obispo, CA soon after, where they had two more children, in 1970 and 1973. Maddy was very active in the Old Mission community. She served as a eucharistic minister, taught CCD, and played the organ for the parish. Music was a big part of Maddy’s life. She enjoyed attending live music events. She taught piano lessons for a time, and she encouraged her children to pursue their interests in music. Maddy was also deeply committed to social justice. She was involved with related efforts within the Mission community, and she participated in peaceful demonstrations with the Women in Black. She maintained an awareness and commitment to advocating for the needs of people all over the world. Maddy worked for many years at the Robert E. Kennedy library at Cal Poly where she was head of the cataloguing department. Along with Joe, she taught Family to Family classes for NAMI. Those who knew and loved Maddy know that she was exceptionally smart, kind, organized, funny, and brought a high quality to all the things she did. She loved reading, learning, traveling, and spending time outside in nature with her loved ones. Maddy regularly supported multiple charities related to her passion for social justice. For those who wish to make a donation in her honor, the family recommends the American Indian College Fund. Maddy is survived by her husband, Joseph Johnson her brother, William (Bill) McGinn, her sons Chris Johnson and Vincent Johnson, and her daughter Margaret Johnson. Rosary at Reis Mortuary. Funeral mass the following day at the Old Mission church followed by interment at the Old Mission Cemetery.

Madeleine Margaret Johnson

December 24, 1939 - May 23, 2024