Gloria Elizabeth Maier

Gloria Elizabeth Johnson Maier was born to Eternal Life Sunday April 2, 2017 at the age of 89. She is survived by nieces Elisabeth Johnson and Denise Sartorio and her husband Ernie, Torrie and Wayne Counts, Rick and Lisa Johnson, Cheryl and Rick Rhoades, many dear family friends and extended family of niece and nephews.

Gloria was born in Chicago to immigrants Victoria Szubartowski from Poland and “Jack” Cecil Johnson, a professional tennis and squash player from Stratford Avon, England. She grew with brothers Richard (Dick) and James (Jimmy) in Hartland Wisconsin. Their father taught squash and racquetball at the Chenequa Country Club. As a teen, Gloria followed in her father’s footsteps and taught young women’s tennis alongside her father whom she deeply admired.

The three siblings experienced family tragedy losing both parents too soon and at a young age. Richard joined the army and Gloria the eldest and a doting sister took custodianship and care of her youngest brother “Jimmy.” She worked and supported them both as a bank clerk at the Marshall and IIsley Bank in downtown Milwaukee.

As a young woman, Gloria also made women’s honor roll playing at Grant Park and was one of the top women golfers from around the area. Her love for golf never ceased and she played most of her life. She took golf very seriously. She could hit “em long and straight as they say.

Golf was also how she met her significant life friend and partner Millie Totushek. The dynamic duo met at a women’s golf league luncheon. Gloria was being recognized for a very long drive, and when she stood up to be recognized Mille said, “ That little sh*% can really hit the ball.” Gloria overheard Mille, made a sassy comeback that got them both laughing and it was from that day forth that they became fast and forever friends.

Mille Totushek, a Hall of Fame Photographer, opened her own photography studio on 10th and Milwaukee Ave in South Milwaukee in 1967. Gloria and Mille would combine talents and form a partnership that would define both of their livelihood and legacy.

In 1973, they renovated an old school house on Ryan Rd. that would be “Mille’s Photography Studio,” a successful business that operated in the Oak Creek community for over 30 years. The two worked together with combined vision and shared success in art and portrait photography. Mille did shoots and Gloria managed much of the business and framing but also went on later to receive her own degree as a Master of Photography in 1990 awarded by the Professional Photographers of America, Inc

Gloria is survived by dear family friends of Marianne, Tami and Tyler Fettig, Guy, Lisa, and Rylee Fettig, Robby Fettig, Kimberly, Rick, Melissa and Ryan Dunn. Other friends of family include Kelly and Lenny Cizmowski, the Erins, Chris and Judy Orsba.

Gloria will be remembered as a loving sister and best friend to her recently deceased brother James and as a beloved aunt who brought joy and made a significant influence and impact on all of her her nieces. She will always be remembered for her sharp and fiery wit, strength and progressiveness as an artist and businesswoman, all the many memories shared and ways she touched us with her unique personality and approach to life.

Gloria is to be reunited in eternal bliss with preceding departed family members Dick and Laverne Johnson, Dirce and James Johnson and Lil and Lorraine Cee and will be laid to rest along side her lifelong best friend and business partner Mille Totushek and their dog, Fuji.

Donations to the Wisconsin Humane Society http://wihumane.org will be accepted in her honor in lieu of flowers.

Visitation will be held at the Heritage Funeral Home on Friday, April 7, from 11-1PM a short service to follow at 9200 S. 27th St. (414-761-2750) All loved ones will then procession to private entombment and committal at Forest Hill Memorial Park.