Rosena Rose Johnson

Rosena “Rose” Johnson (née Lee-Sin) was born on August 31, 1923, in Jamaica, West Indies. She immigrated to the United States in 1963 and became a naturalized US Citizen in February 1982. Rose, as she was lovingly known, joyfully celebrated her 100th birthday a little over a month ago, surrounded by family and friends. Rose worked in childcare when she first came to the United States and even after many continued to share a close bond with the families for whom she worked—they were her “Bonus Family.” Rose was later employed by Riverview Hospital (now Hackensack Meridian/Riverview Medical Center) for 15 years. The last position she held was Unit Secretary on the ICU floor. Rose truly loved her work caring for patients and it is not surprising that she had such a profound and memorable impact at Riverview. Her joy for helping others in health care began in Jamaica when she served as a member of the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade. One of Rose’s fondest memories with the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade was captured by a newspaper photo that showed her in the background when her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was visiting a children’s hospital in Jamaica in 1953. After retiring from Riverview, Rose volunteered both at the hospital and for the Red Bank Lunch Break Program. Rose was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Red Bank since 1975, and actively served in the following ministries: The Missionary Circle, Visitation Committee, Nurses Unit, Senior Ushers Ministry, and the Culinary Committee. When her health failed and she could no longer attend church in person, Rose maintained a close relationship with her church family and was grateful for the opportunities when she could worship virtually. Rose lived quite independently until the age of 95, when she became a resident at Complete Care (Formerly Hackensack Meridian) in Shrewsbury, New Jersey. She resided there for 5 years, and spent the last week of her earthly life at the Spring Hills care facility in Hamilton, NJ. During her time at Complete Care, Rose always made a difference. On the wall of her room hung a Life Saving Award which she received on February 4, 2021. Rose received this award for her: “Quick thinking, courage, and steadfastness for obtaining the help needed to save her roommate’s life.” Rose was dearly and deeply loved by the staff, who also adopted her as family. Among Rose’s many hobbies and interests were making greeting cards, gardening, and putting together puzzles. Rose became the “resident gardener” at Complete Care, and the impact of her green thumb was enjoyed by residents and guests. Some of the beautiful puzzles Rose completed were framed and remain on display at Complete Care. Rose’s unconditional love for and tremendous impact on her family and friends was like no other. She was always present with encouraging words and support, a joke, that infectious laugh, and always armed with prayers to meet anyone’s needs. Rose truly embodied the beauty of her name. Her faith in God was her source of strength. Her favorite scripture quote was ‘‘…with God all things are possible.’’ Rose treasured and cherished the love of her Simpson and Lee-Sin family. Rose was pre-deceased by her husband of 45 years, Franklin Johnson; her mother Eugenia (née Freckleton) and stepfather, Stephen Simpson, her father Jackson Lee-Sin, and stepmother Ina Lee-Sin; and siblings Albert Lee-Sin, Derrick (Cynthia) Lee-Sin, Gilbert (Louise) Lee-Sin, Junior Lee-Sin, Newton Lee-Sin, Hazel Simpson-Panton (Willie), Monica Pamela Simpson-Gale, and Burton Simpson (Ivora). Surviving siblings left to cherish her memory are: Mrs. Jean Ashman (Baron), Mrs. Mavis Chang (Sydney deceased), Mrs. Louise Chevers (Glanville deceased), Mrs. Beverly Lee (Harry), Mrs. Marjorie Samuels (Archer deceased), Mr. Michael Simpson (Lynn), Mr. Roy Simpson (Gloria deceased), Mrs. Lorna Williams (Victor deceased), and Mrs. Gloria Doreen Ziegler (Peter deceased). Also left to honor her beautiful life are a host of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, great-grand nieces and nephews, Godchildren, cousins, bonus family, dear friends, and the countless lives she touched. Rose recently celebrated her milestone 100th birthday on August 31, where she was surrounded and honored by her loving family and friends. Our family is deeply moved and comforted by your tremendous love and outpouring of support during such a difficult time. While we are heartbroken and will miss her dearly, we are grateful for so many beautiful moments with Rose. We will continue to live out her legacy of love and carry with us her favorite Bible verse: “…with God, all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 A celebration of Rose’s life is as follows: Public Viewing: Thursday, October 12, 5 – 7pm Location: Bongarzone Funeral Home, 2400 Shafto Road, Tinton Falls, NJ 07712 Public Service: Friday, October 13 at 11am Location: Calvary Baptist Church, 23 River Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701 Interment immediately following: Fairview Cemetery, 456 Rt. 35, Middletown, NJ 07701 Officiant: Pastor Kenneth McGhee, Calvary Baptist Church

Rosena Rose Johnson

August 31, 1923 - September 27, 2023