HOLLIS- M. “Tootsie” A. Johnson, age 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Jan. 15, 2026.
She was born in Hollis on May 25, 1939, a daughter of the late Cecil and Beatrice (Weeman) Benson. She was a graduate of Hollis High School where she was a standout basketball player She also graduated from a couple of CNA programs. She lived all but three months of her life in Hollis.
Tootsie was a member of the Bar Mills Rescue and served for over thirty years including six years as the Chief. For over thirty years, she owned and operated Tootsie’s Girls, a home health care service. She is also a two time Breast Cancer Survivor.
She was a founding member of the Hollis First Responders, Hollis Rescue and the Hollis Community Clothing Closet. She was also a member of the Hollis Health Council, the Sunshine Club, the Hollis Center Ladies Fire Auxiliary, Meeting House Hill Cemetery Committee and the Hollis Christmas Fund. She was awarded the York Couty Spirit of Service in 2019, and the Town of Hollis Dedicated the Annual Town Report to her in 2019 as well.
She enjoyed watching NASCAR races and especially enjoyed going to Beech Ridge Motor Speedway and Oxford Plains Speedway to watch her sons, daughters, grandsons and granddaughter race. Tootsie also raced in some powder puff races. She was a volunteer member for the Rescue for both Beech Ridge Motor Speedway and Southern Maine Karting for many years. Tootsie was also an Official with the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) North Super Late Model racing series for many years. She also enjoyed travelling.
She was predeceased by her parents and siblings- Verna Dow, Marion Roberts, Alice Whitehouse and Cecil Beson.
Tootsie is survived by her husband of 69 years- Charles “Charlie” Johnson; children- Edward Johnson and his wife Michelle of Sanford, Paul Johnson of Edgecomb, Donna Johnson of Hollis, Garry Johnson and his wife Donna of Hollis, and Bonnie Johnson of Hollis; sister- Maxine Whitehouse of Hollis; sister–in–law- Maggie Johnson of Hollis; seven grandsons (Reggie, Ed Jr., Peter (wife Michelle), Bobby (wife Kristina), Greg, Shawn, & Patrick) ; eight great grandchildren (Brandon, Zack, Dominick, Garry, Lexi, Brianna, Samantha & Hannah) ; and three great-great grandchildren (Nash, Paislee & Brewer) and her dog Daisy. She leaves behind many nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their gratitude to the care provided by her niece Dottie and the caregivers at Gosnell.
A celebration of Tootsie’s life will be held on Sunday, February 1st at Hollis Town Hall 34 Town Farm Road, Hollis, Maine from 1 PM to 4 PM and all are welcome. Burial will be held privately amongst Tootsie’s family at Meeting House Hill Cemetery in Hollis.
Online condolence messages can be submitted at the Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service website, www.mainefuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to one of the following in her honor:
To a local Rescue or an Animal Rescue of your choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, www.mainefuneral.com