Brenda Theresa Johnston
Due to a personnel issue at the Church, the Service time has been CHANGED! Viewing is at Noon & Mass is at 1 PM – Dec. 23rd
(nee Buckley) On December 18, 2021, Age 86; longtime resident of Maplewood, NJ; Beloved wife of the late Eugene J.; Loving mother of Marianne Johnston-Poisel (Michael) of Haddonfield and the late Eugene, Jr.; Cherished grandmother of Bridget Poisel and Connor Poisel; Dear sister of Sr. Alice Buckley of Houston, TX, Lil Ryan of Ballynonty, County Tipperary and Noreen Hayes of Clonmel, County Tipperary; Sister-in-law of Bernard Johnston of Brooklyn, NY; fond aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Brenda was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, as “Bridget” Theresa Buckley. Upon moving to the US, her Aunt “Americanized” her name to Brenda. She was a graduate of St. Joseph’s College for Women and the holder of Master’s Degrees in Library Science and Counseling from what is now Kean University. Brenda started her career as a high school English teacher in Brooklyn, NY. After taking time off to raise her daughter, Brenda served as the librarian at St. Rose of Lima school in Short Hills, NJ and then went to work for the Elizabeth, NJ Board of Ed. for 25 years as a school librarian and teacher.
Brenda’s happy place was having a cup of tea with family and friends at the kitchen table. She was a great listener and counselor to many. Brenda encouraged others to pursue their dreams and truly believed each person is given a talent for the common good. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Brenda’s family will greet friends on December 23 at 12 Noon at St. Rose of Lima Church, 50 Short Hills Ave., Short Hills, NJ 07078; where her Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1 PM. Interment at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Brenda may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, Delaware Valley Chapter, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106.