Obituaries

In Memoriam: Longtime Monmouth Beach Resident, Cheryl Koelsch Johnston, 80

“Cheryl’s presence in our lives was a gift. She taught us what it means to care deeply, give generously, and love without limits. May her memory continue to inspire kindness, connection, and the everyday acts of support that defined the way she lived.” ~ family of Cheryl Johnston

Longtime Monmouth Beach resident, Cheryl Ann Koelsch Johnston, passed away peacefully on April 18. She was 80.

Cheryl lived a life full of purpose, compassion, and unwavering support for the people she loved … To those who knew her best, Cheryl’s most profound achievements were not professional, they were personal. She was the kind of wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who ‘showed up.’ From coaching childhood soccer games to never missing a single dance recital or volleyball match, she made it known that her family was her priority. She made everyone around her feel supported, believed in, and deeply loved … Cheryl and (her husband of 58 years) Don shared the kind of love that was steady, deep, and rare. They were best friends and true partners in every sense, each other’s home, each other’s world. Through all of life’s ups and downs, they stood side by side with strength and unwavering devotion. In her final years, Don cared for Cheryl with a level of tenderness and patience that can’t be taught, it came from the kind of love that lasts a lifetime. Their connection was something you could feel just by being around them, and it will continue to be one of the most beautiful parts of her story.

“Cheryl’s generosity knew no bounds. Whether it was with family, friends, or complete strangers, she gave back in ways that truly mattered. She taught adults to read and introduced disadvantaged kids to the game of golf, not just the fundamentals, but the respect and etiquette that came with it.

“During summer breaks, she created Grandma & Papa Camp for her grandchildren, where she taught them how to knit, cook, and find joy in the simple moments. These weren’t just kind gestures, they were reflections of who she was, a patient teacher, a steady supporter, and someone who genuinely believed in the potential of others.

“Cheryl found joy in the everyday things. She loved being out on the golf course, traveling to new places, or just sitting by the ocean with her feet in the sand. Her hands were always busy, maybe knitting something for someone she loved or making a home-cooked meal. A good book, a quiet moment in the sun, or time spent with family was more than enough for Cheryl. She had this calm, steady presence that made you feel at ease just being around her. She made spaces feel like home, and people feel cared for.

Loved ones of Cheryl Johnston in her obituary

Born on July 19, 1944, in Louisville, KY, Cheryl settled in Monmouth Beach for most of her life.

A graduate of Monmouth University, she earned her degree in Finance with honors, Magna Cum Laude, “a reflection of her sharp intellect and tireless work ethic.” She went on to have a successful career as a financial analyst at AT&T, “where she was respected for her precision, insight, and dedication.”

She is survived by: her husband, Don, of 58 years; her daughter, Kerry Williams, of Ridgefield, CT; her son, Kevin Johnston, of Oceanport; son-in-law, Robin Williams; daughter-in-law, Jessica Johnston; her cherished granddaughters, Sophie, Kyla, Edyn, and Brenna; her sisters, Carolyn Burdge and Deborah Johnston; many nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and her beloved dog, Mattie.

A memorial visitation will be held on what would have been Cheryl’s 81st birthday, Saturday, July 19, from noon to 3 p.m. at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad Street, Red Bank. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor Cheryl’s legacy by donating to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, https://www.michaeljfox.org, a cause close to her heart.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home