Joanna J. Johnston

Joanna J. Johnston (née Ciliberti), age 87, of Audubon, PA, passed away on January 3, 2026. Born in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late James and Catherine Ciliberti (née Wanielista).

Joanna was the beloved wife of the late Earl Johnston; loving mother of Thomas Johnston, Lisa DeMitis (Dom), Edward Johnston, and Laura Johnston; adoring grandmother of Gianna and Marissa DeMitis; caring sister of Joy DeLuca (John), Marlene Vitullo (Tony), Jim Ciliberti (Marian), and Kathy Ciliberti.

Joanna Johnston was born in South Philadelphia and later moved to Overbrook Park, where she attended West Catholic High School. It was there that her lifelong values of family, faith, and hard work first took root—values that would guide her every step and shape the beautiful life she went on to build, always centered around deep love and devotion to those she held closest.

She married her beloved husband, Earl, at a young age, and together they made their home in Broomall, where they began raising their family. Joanna was a devoted and loving mother to her four children—Tom, Lisa, Edward, and Laura. Her greatest joy was always her family, a joy that grew even deeper when she became a grandmother to her treasured grandchildren, Marissa and Gianna. She cherished every moment spent with them and took immense pride in her role as “Mom-Mom.”

Joanna shared an especially close bond with her four siblings—Joy, Marlene, Kathy, and Jim—and those relationships remained loving and strong throughout her life. She was also blessed with many cousins, lifelong friends, and the countless meaningful friendships she formed over the years, each one held dear to her heart.

Throughout her life, Joanna worked at a variety of places, including at a bookstore and a thrift store. Her final position, before retiring, was as a manager at McCall Field, where her warmth and dedication were evident to all who knew her.

Giving back to others was a cornerstone of Joanna’s life. She devoted many years to volunteering, including running a chapter for Deborah Heart and Lung Hospital, overseeing weekly bingo at Saint Pius X Parish, and volunteering weekly at a local thrift store whose proceeds supported charitable causes. Her generosity of time, compassion, and spirit left a lasting impact on her community.

One of the stories she loved to share most was meeting Elvis Presley with her sister Joy in 1960 at Fort Dix—an unforgettable moment that remained a treasured highlight of her life.

Joanna also loved to travel with her dear husband of 64 years. Together they explored Europe many times and enjoyed countless cruises. She also made annual trips to Las Vegas and numerous trips to Atlantic City with family. At home, she found joy in puzzles of every kind and loved losing herself in a good book.

After many happy years in Broomall, Joanna and Earl moved to Newtown Square and resided there for the next 37 years. Following Earl’s passing, she moved to the Shannondell Retirement Community, where she embraced a simpler life and spent her final four years enjoying all that Shannondell had to offer while forming new and meaningful friendships.

Joanna will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for her family and friends. Her life was one of service, laughter, and enduring connections, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know and love her.

Family and friends are invited to Joanna’s Visitation 12:00-1:00 PM on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at St. Pius X Church, 220 Lawrence Rd, Broomall, PA 19008, followed by her Funeral Mass at 1:00 PM. Entombment to follow at SS Peter & Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA.

Joanna's mass will be livestreamed and can be found here: https://vimeo.com/spxbroomall or https://saintpius.net/livestream/