Alba Johnson

Alba Johnson, age 94 passed away on January 27, 2022. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Ev, high school sweethearts married in 1948, her parents Gemma and Isidoro DeSimone, her sister Elsie Berninger, her brother Daniel DeSimone, and granddaughter Amy Johnson. She is survived by her brother Isidoro DeSimone (Elsie) , children Kathy Ferdinand (Richard) and Ted Johnson (Margaret), her loving grandchildren: Alexander, Meredith, Patrick, Tim, and Wynne and great grandchildren Calvin, Hattie, Killian, Malcolm, and Rowan.

Alba lived the American Dream of raising her family in the town of Old Tappan, living in town for 67 years with many treasured friendships. She lived in the “house that Ed built” and later moved to the historic Eckerson house in town. She was an active community member serving in many school volunteer positions and later sponsoring Little League teams and offering scholarships to high school graduates. She was a parishioner and pillar of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church of Harrington Park singing in the choir, serving as Warden, on the Vestry, and Outreach Chair over the years. Alba rarely missed an All God’s Children Service or regular Sunday service.

Later in life, she pursued a business career becoming a licensed real estate salesperson in 1969, by 1971 a licensed real estate broker and opening her own independent real estate office in Old Tappan. She demonstrated her honesty and integrity by serving as President of the Pascack Valley MLS, President of the Board of Realtors, and the Director of the New Jersey Association of Realtors, and Chairperson of the Ethics and Vigilance Committee for 7 years. Real estate became her passion for years from writing her own house ads for newspaper deadlines to managing her own office and building lifelong friendships with homeowners.

All who knew Alba will never forget her patriotic love of country and Constitutional spirit to defend our freedoms. Standing for the Pledge of Allegiance, singing out the National Anthem, and supporting and honoring Veterans were all life lessons realized and passed on to future generations of her family.

Alba will be remembered for her values of education, faith, family, laughter, patriotism, and a work ethic. Her lessons include take time to work hard: it is the price of success; take time to read: it is the foundation of wisdom; take time to express your love and be loved; take time to laugh: is the music of the soul; and take time to be a faithful steward of God’s love and grace.

The family will receive friends at Becker Funeral Home, Westwood, N.J. with hours 3:00-7:00 p.m. Saturday, February 5, 2022 with a funeral service planned later in March at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers donations in Alba’s memory may be made to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, Harrington Park, N.J. or the Old Tappan Public Library.