Obituary of Marybeth Johnson
Marybeth Johnson, 74, of Warren, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Morristown Memorial Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on September 9, 1950, in Newark, New Jersey, Marybeth was raised in Bayonne, New Jersey by her loving parents, Charlie and Laura Orlandini, with whom she shared a deep and cherished bond.
Marybeth grew up in Bayonne, where she formed lasting friendships and memories. After graduating from Bayonne High School, she continued her education at St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, earning a bachelor’s degree in English. This laid the foundation for a successful career in telecommunications. She began her professional journey at Midland Bank in New York City before moving into the telecommunications field, where she worked at AT&T in Basking Ridge. Marybeth’s career advanced as the industry evolved, and she went on to work at Bell Labs and later Telcordia Technologies in Piscataway, New Jersey, where she thrived as a manager. After many years of dedicated service, Marybeth retired in 2000, though her talents were still sought after, and she continued to work as a consultant.
In 1984, Marybeth married the love of her life, John Johnson, in an intimate ceremony at their home in Warren, New Jersey. Together, they built a beautiful life, sharing 40 years of love and laughter. Their backyard became the heart of countless family gatherings and joyful celebrations. Their love was one for the ages—filled with adventures that took them around the globe.
Marybeth was a true world traveler, visiting Italy, Belgium, the Caribbean, and beyond. One of her greatest joys was traveling with John, who, as a captain of a merchant ship, gave her the unique opportunity to explore the world by sea. Together, they shared a love for cruising and the thrill of discovering new places. Marybeth’s wanderlust was complemented by her love for nature—she adored gardening and spent time volunteering at the Rutgers Gardens, nurturing her love for flowers and the earth.
Her home was always a place of warmth and creativity, especially during the holidays, when she would transform it into a festive wonderland. Christmas was her favorite, and her family gatherings were filled with baking parties, treasure hunts for the children, and games she would invent, bringing joy to everyone. Marybeth’s boundless creativity extended beyond the holidays—she had a remarkable ability to make every moment special, always thinking of others and ensuring that everyone felt loved and appreciated.
Marybeth was a devoted animal lover, especially to her beloved dogs, and her gentle heart extended to all living things. Her nurturing spirit, kindness, and thoughtfulness left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
She is predeceased by her loving parents, Charlie and Laura Orlandini. Marybeth is survived by her beloved husband, John Johnson, with whom she shared a lifetime of adventures and unwavering love. She is also survived by seven devoted children: Joann Beasich and her husband Dennis, Gale Johnson, Donna Bird and her husband John, John Johnson, Jr. and his wife Michele, Robert Johnson and his wife Dawn, Paul Johnson and his significant other Cheryl Johnson, and Jennifer Carney and her husband Doug. Marybeth was blessed with 12 grandchildren: Jessica, Christal, Sara, Mickey, John, Danny, Robert Jr., Christopher, Jason, Keith, Steven, and Amanda; 17 cherished great-grandchildren and dear friends; Beth Maver, Ruthann Hogan, and Maureen Crone. Her love for her family was immeasurable, and she was their guiding light.
A visitation will be held on Monday, September 30, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ 07069. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 10:30 AM at the funeral home, followed by entombment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Basking Ridge, New Jersey.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Marybeth’s honor to St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, New Jersey, or to the American Cancer Society.
Marybeth will be remembered for her immense heart, her boundless creativity, and her dedication to her family and friends. Her legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.
