Anne Marie Thorne

Beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend

Anne Marie Thorne, 63, of Phoenix, passed away Oct. 19, 2025. A third-generation Arizonan, Anne was deeply rooted in her native city and the community she loved so much.

A proud graduate of Arizona State University, Anne built a life filled with purpose, creativity, and connection. For more than three decades, she was a partner in PfaelzerJohns, one of Phoenix’s most respected public relations agencies, where she combined her warmth, intelligence, and professionalism to help shape the city’s public image. Later, she found success as a realtor, bringing her impeccable eye for design to homes throughout the Valley. As someone whose first love was always being a mother, she found special joy in helping young, first-time buyers find their first home.

Anne’s passion for her community extended far beyond her work. She served on the City of Phoenix Pride Commission and the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission and contributed her expertise to numerous political campaigns, including those of Mayors Terry Goddard, Paul Johnson, and Phil Gordon. She also lent her skills to major projects and organizations such as Phoenix Metro light rail, Subway restaurants, Korean Air, and Sky Harbor International Airport.

Adventurous and witty, kind and gentle, Anne was loved by all who knew her. She had an energy that lifted every room and a sincerity that made people feel seen and valued. But her greatest joy was always her family—her beloved husband, Jay Thorne, and her cherished son, Levi Johns. She found happiness in gathering loved ones around the table, often serving her famous holiday feasts and Nana’s red chili recipe that became a family tradition.

Anne leaves behind her husband Jay Thorne; son Levi Johns (Mackenzie Wilcop); brother Jon Garcia (Lori); sister Christie Garcia; Father Manny Garcia (Irene Barrientos); stepson Casey Thorne, stepdaughter Chelsea Thorne (Molly); granddaughters Zabella and Kay Lynn; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will miss her deeply. She was preceded in death by her son, Tucker, and her mother, Rosanne.

A celebration of Anne’s life will be held Friday, Nov. 14 from 4–6 p.m. in Phoenix at the Desert Botanical Garden, Binns Pavilion, where family and friends will gather to honor her with stories, laughter, and love.

Anne’s light and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her—and in the city she helped make more beautiful, welcoming, and full of life.