Borgny Ann Johnson

Borgny Ann (Peterson) Johnson, 91, of Tempe, Arizona passed away peacefully on September 3,
2023, at the Health Center of Friendship Village in Tempe, Arizona with loving family at her side.
Borgny grew up in Oxford, Ohio with her beloved parents Eunice and Marvin Peterson and
devoted brother Jim. In her senior year of high school, the family moved to Minnesota, where
she attended the University of Minnesota and graduated with honors. She continued her
education at the University of Michigan, earning her master’s degree in English Literature. She
was a gifted scholar and lifelong learner who also studied British and Medieval history. She
worked for many years at Arizona State University as an Administrative Assistant for the
Program of Adult Development of Aging.
Above all, Borgny was a loving wife and mother. In graduate school Borgny met her soulmate,
Alan Johnson, who passed away in 2022. They were married in Germany in 1955 where Alan
was stationed for military service, and afterwards began raising their family of three daughters,
first in the Midwest and then in Tempe, Arizona where they made their permanent home. She
and Alan were inseparable for 67 wonderful years of marriage. They shared a passion for books,
art, opera, and travel, with favorite destinations of London and Venice.
Borgny was a consummate homemaker, known for her amazing culinary talent especially her
wide array of Scandinavian baked goods. Her Christmas cookies were works of art! She shared
her creativity and zest for life with her daughters in many ways, such as music lessons, museum
trips, sewing projects, and homemade treats and decorations for every possible holiday, just to
name a few. She enjoyed attending services and activities with her family at King of Glory
Lutheran Church. Borgny was also a wonderful grandmother who doted on her grandchildren
and was a huge influence in their lives. She was the epitome of grace and generosity. Her family
will always treasure the memory and example of her pure kindness, intelligent outlook, and
gentle compassion.
She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law: Andrea and Gilles Combet, Leslie and Bruce
Cohen, and Natalie and Jeffrey Nii; her grandchildren Yolanda Combet, Jake and Mandi Cohen,
Sam Cohen, Ray Cohen, and Alana Nii; and her great-grandchildren Miles and Avery Cohen. She
is also survived by nieces Lisa Rovick, Solveg Peterson, Karin Pinto, and nephew Ken Johnson.
Special thanks to all the caring staff of Hospice of the Valley and the Nunnenkamp Center and
Health Center of Friendship Village of Tempe for the comfort and care they provided during the
last months of her life.
A private family burial will be held. Donations in honor of Borgny’s memory can be made to
Hospice of the Valley online at Click Here to Donate to Hospice of the Valley or mailed to Hospice
of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix AZ 85014.

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