Josephine J. Button

Josephine Jacqueline Button, known lovingly to family and friends as Mom, Nana, Jo, and Feenie, passed away on April 19, 2026, in Oceanport, New Jersey, at the age of 85. She was born on May 7, 1940, in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, and lived a life marked by faith, devotion, kindness, and quiet strength.

 Her earthly journey came to a peaceful close due to heart failure, and she now rests in the loving care of her Lord and Savior. Jo was a woman whose life reflected the grace of a Christian servant. She was deeply devoted to her church and carried her faith into every part of her daily life. Her presence was a blessing to those who knew her, and her gentle spirit, generous heart, and thoughtful nature left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to be in her life. She was the kind of person who offered comfort without hesitation, encouragement without condition, and love without measure.

 She dedicated many years of her life to education as a fifth grade teacher at Defino Central in Marlboro, New Jersey. In the classroom, she shared not only knowledge but also patience, warmth, and a genuine care for her students. She believed in the importance of guiding young people with kindness and respect, and she touched countless lives through her work. Her influence as a teacher extended far beyond the school walls, as many remembered her for the steady encouragement and compassion she gave so freely. Her faith was the foundation of her life. Jo was very devoted to her church and served in ways that reflected her commitment to helping others.

 Together with her cousin, she helped develop the food pantry at Holy Trinity, a meaningful act of service that brought relief and hope to many in need. She also served as a bereavement minister, offering comfort to grieving hearts with the tenderness and understanding that came naturally to her. Her ministry was a reflection of her deep Christian belief in caring for others in times of sorrow and need. Jo found great joy in her family, especially in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She treasured every moment spent with them and made it a priority to attend nearly all of their sporting and school events. Her love was evident in her faithful presence, her cheering from the sidelines, and the pride she took in each of their accomplishments. She also enjoyed reading at schools for Read Across America, sharing her love of reading and encouraging children to discover the joy found in books and learning.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Thomas Button, who shared with her a life built on love, faith, and devotion; her daughter, Jacqueline Pagano, and her husband, Russell Pagano; her son, Thomas Button, and his wife, Katherine Button. Her memory will be cherished by her grandchildren, Cherie Bedell, her husband Donnie Bedell, Russell A. Pagano, Ryan Pagano, Sean Button and his wife Kendra Button, as well as Evan Button and his wife Paige Button and her 3 great grandchildren, Ashlynn, Riley, and Donnie. She will be missed deeply by all who were blessed to call her Mom, Nana, Great-Nana, wife, relative, and friend.

Those who knew Jo will remember her as kind, generous, and thoughtful. These words describe not only her character but the way she lived her life each day. She gave of herself freely and consistently, asking little in return. Her life was a testimony to faith in action, to the beauty of a servant’s heart, and to the lasting impact one person can make through love and devotion. Though she will be deeply missed, her family and friends take comfort in the promise of eternal life and the hope found in Christ. Her earthly work is complete, but her legacy remains in the lives she touched, the prayers she offered, the children she taught, the families she comforted, and the many acts of love she performed in quiet humility. May she be remembered with gratitude and affection, and may she rest in everlasting peace in the presence of God.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 23 from 4-7 pm at the Damiano Funeral Home in Long Branch. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 24 at 9:30 am at Holy Trinity Church in Long Branch followed by the interment at Woodbine Cemetery in Oceanport, In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the  St. Vincent DePaul Society of Christ the King Parish, 111 Chelsea Avenue, Long Branch NJ 07740. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link above.