Ellen Lucia Johnson

On Saturday, February 20th, 2021 we lost a best friend, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. We lost the beauty, kindness and love which emanated from her smile. We lost the many years of wisdom she shared. We lost a person so beautiful and pure that words are not enough to capture our sorrow. It is with regret and a hollowed heart that we share with you the passing of Ellen Lucia Johnson, age 77, of Oakhurst, NJ. 

Ellen lived a rich and storied life, having been born in Long Branch, NJ to second generation Italian parents. Ellen, also known as Dewey or Dewbelle, had a vibrant childhood with her large and loving family and she excelled in all of her endeavors. Ellen graduated with honors from Long Branch High School and went on to have a successful career as a stenographer and secretary for the division superintendent at JCP&L in Asbury and Allenhurst, where she formed many lifelong friendships. Her life changed forever when she met her husband, Glenn, on a double date. The two instantly connected, and talked the night away. She was married to her devoted husband for over 50 years, as they promised they would love each other “Until the Twelfth of Never.”  

Together, their love grew into a beautiful family with three adoring children, Pamela, Glenn, and Toni.  Ellen was their confidant, their friend, their mentor, and their moral compass. She imparted upon her children unconditional love, respect, and an exquisite sense of good. She was the foundation of her family, the mortar and brick for which they stood tall and flourished.  Her children turned to her for advice on everything and always trusted her wisdom and guidance.

Ellen was proud of who she was and from where she came.   She had close family bonds with her parents, siblings, and extended family.  She loved and respected them all and was proud to be a Lucia! She was always there, always ready to listen. She would spend hours every night talking on the phone with her sister, Janet and she and her husband would later spend many nights enjoying dinners with her brother, Lolly and his wife, Terry. She had innumerable gatherings with all of her siblings and their families along with hers and she cherished every moment of them.  To Ellen, family was everything and her biggest joy came from spending time together.

Ellen loved being a "Nana" and she shared with her six grandchildren all the joy and wonderment of her very being.  She showered them with affection and showed them unconditional love and kindness.  She taught them that kindness, humility and forgiveness are some of the most important attributes one must carry throughout their life. A day will not pass that they will not miss their Nana and all the wonderful times that they shared.

Ellen was sensitive, compassionate, and a person with great intellect.  She enjoyed reading, poetry and song.  She relished new challenges and embraced all the world for all of its wonder.   Her selfless love extended to all animals and she could always be seen with her dog, Little Guy by her side. Ellen's door was always opened with a warm smile, a tender and loving invite.  Her kindness and love were intoxicating to all those who had the honor of having known her. She had a way of seeing the world through eyes that had never been stained by anger, fear or negativity, and she imparted her strength of character to all those she encountered.  Her words of positivity and her way of seeing the world has touched us and changed us all forever.  

Ellen is predeceased by her loving parents, Anthony and Marion Lucia and her siblings Peter Lucia and Mary Miller.  Surviving are her siblings Charles Lucia and wife Terry, Janet Alessi, Anthony Lucia and wife Margaret; her beloved husband of 52 years Glenn Johnson, daughter Pamela, son Glenn and wife Victoria, daughter Toni Adams and husband William; grandchildren Catherine and Glenn Jr. Johnson, Ellen, William Jr., Emily and Anthony Adams. 

"I'll love you until the twelfth of never and that’s a long, long time.

"We want to extend our eternal gratitude to Sophia, Veronica and Carmen for their loving care of Ellen and for helping our family through this part of our journey. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 25 at 10:30 am at Holy Trinity Church, 408 Prospect Street in Long Branch. The family plans to hold a post pandemic remembrance at a later date. Memorial donations on Ellen’s behalf can be made to Monmouth County SPCA, 260 Wall Street, Eatontown, NJ 07724.  The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link above.

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