Obituary of Ellen Johnson

Ellen Mackey Johnson Demeter, 86, of White Township, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on September 25, 1939, in Easton, Pennsylvania, Ellen was the beloved daughter of Edward and Margaret Mackey and stepdaughter of Phoebe Mackey. She was predeceased by her first husband, Gary Johnson, and her second husband, Frank Demeter.

Ellen is lovingly survived by her devoted daughters, Janet (Gerard) McEvoy, Sandra (Pascal) Simone, and Jill (Thomas) Redfern. She was the cherished grandmother of Phoebe (Kevin) Matlock, Faith (Garrett) Sassaman, Maren (Erik) Wilson, Olivia Simone, Nicholai Redfern, Vivian Simone, Cecily Redfern, Clint McEvoy, Victor Simone, and Clay McEvoy, and proud great-grandmother to seven beautiful great-grandchildren, Berkley, Levi and Oaks Matlock, Brayden and Grace Sassaman, and Jayda and Ava Wilson. She is survived by her stepbrother, Marvin Murdock, and will be fondly remembered by her dear cousin, Wendy Fechisin, whose companionship she treasured.

A lifelong resident of White Township, Ellen graduated from Belvidere High School and Trenton State College. She devoted 28 years to teaching at the White Township School, where she touched countless young lives with her dedication and ‘old school’ ways. Her excellence in education was recognized with honors as a New Jersey Governor’s Teacher and a National History Day Teacher of Merit.

Ellen’s commitment to her community extended far beyond the classroom. She served with distinction on the Warren County Technical School Board of Education, the White Township Open Space and Farmland Preservation Committee, and the Municipal and Charitable Conservancy Trust Fund. Her thoughtful stewardship helped preserve the rural beauty and integrity of the place she so deeply loved.

In her leisure, Ellen found joy and peace in her gardens—tending her flower beds and fish pond with the same care she gave to her students and family. She delighted in traveling with her beloved husband Frank, exploring new places and sharing laughter along the way. Above all, her greatest happiness came from watching her family grow, celebrating every milestone, big or small.

Calling hours will be held Monday, October 27, 2025 from 9:00 AM to the time of service celebrating her life at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in the Summerfield Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are requested to be made in Ellen's memory to the Belvidere Ambulance Corps, 234 Paul Street, Belvidere, NJ  07823.