Elizabeth “BJ” Johnson

JOHNSONElizabeth Jane Antonello, 68, passed away on May 25 at her home in Conshohoken, PA. She was born on April 22, 1949 in Pittston, PA to Biondo and Elvira Antonello. Elizabeth, known as Betty Jane and BJ, grew up in Pittston, and was Captain of the Majorettes, Secretary of the Student Body, and May Queen, among many other involvements, at St. John the Evangelist High School, from which she graduated in 1967. After high school she attended Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA where she received a degree in Education in 1972, as the first college graduate of her family. After marrying Eugene Johnson that same year, she worked as a second grade teacher, prior to opening Gullifty’s Restaurant in Rosemont, PA, with her husband, and business partner, Andy Zangrelli. With its opening in 1975, Gullifty’s was the first of its kind, a full scale restaurant, with a multi-faceted food menu & bar. Elizabeth’s 25 years of selfless dedication to Operations and Training helped guide Gullifty’s, and the principles she instilled has enabled it to flourish today, 42 years on. With her unparalleled ability to connect with strangers, family, and friends and her commitment to service and love, she became a bridal gown consultant at the Wedding Shoppe, Suki Rosan, and finally, Pricilla of Boston’s. Elizabeth, instinctually brought brides closer to their most cherished moments, until she needed to focus full time on her cancer treatment. Elizabeth was diagnosed with two different types of simultaneous breast cancer at stage 4, in 2012, eventually advancing to liver and brain. While stage 4 cancer is not curable, treatments exist that can extend patients a high-quality life for years. Elizabeth studied the disease ceaselessly to find leads on optimal treatments. She eventually connected with oncologist Angela DiMichelle, at UPenn, in consultation with Sloane Kettering’s nationally renowned Jose Baselga.Armed with strength, courage, and a relentless love for her family, Elizabeth faced this adversity with courage and grace, inspiring all in her path. Never a complaint, always a smile, and forever an optimist, she dedicated her life to her friends and family, fighting through to meet her 7 grandchildren: Evelyn, Abbey, Janie, Camille, Antonella, August, & Elzie. Her light has become her children’s legacy. Please join Tiffany, Kris, Jason, & Tamara in celebrating Elizabeth’s light & love on Tuesday evening, May 30th, from 6:30-8:30pm at D’Anjollel Memorial Home, 20811 West Chester Pike, Broomall, PA, 19008. Memorial Mass will take place at St. John Neumann, 380 Highland Lane, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 on Wednesday May 31st at 10:30am, with viewing prior, at 9:30am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Elizabeth’s name to Pennies in Action, an organization focused on finding a cure for cancer. www.penniesinaction.orgBeloved Mother of Tiffany Maguire (Paul) and Kristian Johnson and Jennifer Furlong, Jason Johnson (Ericka) and Tamara Johnson (Matthew Conlin); 7 granddaughters, her siblings; Louis (Valerie), Biondo “Booty” (Della) , Margaret “Peggy” Hoover (Joseph) and the late Joseph Hoover.Relatives and friends are invited to her Visitation on Tuesday evening, 6:30-8:30 PM at the Danjolell Memorial Home of Broomall, 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall, Pa 19008. On Wednesday morning, Visitation in Church, 9:30-10:15 AM, followed by her Funeral Mass at 10:30 at St. John Neumann Church, 380 Highland Lane, Bryn Mawr, Pa 19010. Interment Private.