In Memoriam: Red Bank Resident Susan Johnson, 67

Red Bank resident Susan Johnson passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, “after a hard- fought, courageous battle with cancer.” She was 67.

“Her vibrant spirit and relentless determination in fighting her disease was an inspiration to all those around her.

“She loved the city life and made friends amongst dancers, actors and other aspiring performers … Susan was full of energy, fun-loving and generous, and her kindness and warmth were unmatched. She always put her family first and loved spending time with her adoring grandchildren, to whom she was affectionately known as Mima.

“Throughout her life, Susan maintained an eagerness to help others, especially through the power of food. She was an excellent cook who loved to entertain and delight her guests with incredible meals that left them eagerly awaiting their next invitation. To know her was to know her brilliant smile greeting you from her kitchen, her apron on and delicious aromas filling the air. Susan thrived on feeding others and in later years focused much of her energy on providing not only delicious but also nourishing and healing foods to her loved ones. She had bone broth at the ready for anyone feeling under the weather and her library of family recipes ran deep. Cooking classes and nutrition webinars were frequently on her agenda and she often invited friends to join her in whatever cooking adventures she could find. She taught others the importance of knowing where their food came from and many will credit her for starting them on life changing health journeys.

“Over the last decade, Susan became a staunch advocate for medical freedom, becoming well known amongst her peers as someone who would not shy away from the fight and whose warm and welcoming nature enabled her to connect with community members and local legislators while championing her beliefs. Whether at meetings in her home or her local representative’s office, or mobilizing her group for a rally in Trenton, she was tireless and unapologetic in her convictions and drew the admiration of both those close to and those new to her causes. Susan researched exhaustively and shared her depth of knowledge across her vast network. She was a true warrior and her advocacy will forever be part of her legacy …”

“Susan was a devoted wife, sister, mother and grandmother, who will be missed dearly and whose memory will be cherished by her family.”
Loved ones of Susan Johnson in her obituary

More about Susan Johnson …

Susan was born to Michael and Kathy Gabco in New London, CT. The oldest daughter of five siblings, she spent her childhood in Waterford, CT, where she developed a passion for dance at an early age. She pursued her craft at the Boston Conservatory of Music where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (BFA).

After graduating, she moved to New York City where she continued to study dance. From there, she moved to Pelham, NY, where she first worked for the Steffi Nossen Dance in Education Foundation and then went on to teach at other dance schools around Westchester and in Greenwich, CT.

While living in Pelham she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob). They relocated with Susan’s daughter, Christine, to Avon, CT and were married in 1987. The following year they welcomed a son, Rob, and lived in Avon for several years before moving to Shrewsbury in 1992.

“In Shrewsbury, they easily integrated into the close knit community and enjoyed raising their children and living the easy going Jersey Shore lifestyle with many close friends.”

Susan practiced real estate, a profession that perfectly suited her outgoing personality and the ease with which she connected with others, in addition to volunteering at Shrewsbury School, Christian Brothers Academy (CBA), and other local charitable organizations.

After 15 years, a job opportunity brought Susan and Bob to Redondo Beach, CA where they lived for five years before returning to the east coast, eventually settling back in Red Bank.

She was predeceased by: her beloved mother, Kathy Gabco; her sister, Laurie; and her brother, Michael.

She is survived by: her loving husband and faithful caretaker, Bob; her children, Christine (Casey) Sullivan, Rob (Lauren), Adam (Jessica), and Michael (Megan); her grandchildren, Isabel, Finn and Isla, Hunter and Lily, Cole and Miles, and Michael and Jade; her father, Michael Gabco; sisters, Nancy (Bob) Dean and Holly (John) Reardon; and many nieces, nephews, and their children.

A memorial mass to honor Susan’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, at St. James Church, 94 Broad St, Red Bank. Interment will follow mass at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Middletown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Susan’s name to St. James Church in Red Bank or a favorite charity.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home