Obituary of Josephine C. Johnston

Josephine C. (nee Fabii ) Johnston of Royersford, PA passed away Sunday, December 10, 2023 at the Heart Pavilion at Lakenau Medical Center Hospital.   

She was born in Philadelphia, Pa on October 29, 1933, and was the daughter of the late Vincenzo and the late Laura (nee Cistriano) Fabii.

Formerly of the Roxborough section of Philadelphia, Josephine most recently resided in Royersford. She was a long-time member of Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church of Roxborough. She was a staunch supporter of Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

Known as “Josie” to her many friends, she lived her life with grace, compassion, appreciation and an immeasurable love for her family and friends. She was kind, caring, selfless, compassionate, giving, resilient, tenacious, mighty, and full of energy throughout her life. She had an incredible will to live, had an unyielding strength, never gave up and never stopped trying. She always put others before herself and made every birthday, Christmas, and other holidays extra special. She loved carrying on her family’s Italian traditions especially in the kitchen.  

Her greatest love in life was her four granddaughters who she treasured immensely. When not spending time with or doing something special for her granddaughters, she could often be found in the kitchen cooking, baking, or making candy. Whether cooking dinner for family or friends or making cookies or chocolate covered strawberries for one of her granddaughters' birthdays or school events,  she did so with boundless love. One could never enter her home without being asked countless times if they wanted something to eat; and her talent for cooking was like no other.  

In her early years, Josie was a hairstylist for a well-known salon in Philadelphia. (One of her most memorable clients was actress, Celeste Holmes who played the Godmother in the original Cinderella movie). She then embarked on several successful business ventures including owner operator for Laura's Fudge of Ocean City, NJ. Known there as Mrs. J, she was loved by a generation of employees, made life-long connections, and instilled a love of the beach and ocean in her children.

She is survived by her husband Raymond Johnston, Sr. of Royersford, daughter Laura Lynn LaBella (Ed Thomas) of King of Prussia, son Raymond Johnston, Jr. of Royersford, daughter Maria (Christopher) Kelly of Phoenixville, and granddaughters Nicole (Joe) Betti, and Skylar Jude, Ava Jude and Christina Jude Kelly.

Along with her parents she was preceded in death by a brother Dr. Amleto Fabii.

Her Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 819 Cathedral Road, Philadelphia, PA.

Friends may call on Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM at the church.

Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon, Pa.