Obituary of Diane A. Johnson

Diane (Amendolia) Johnson, age 76, departed this world on October 23, 2023, surrounded by her family at Virtua Hospital, following a brief illness. During her life, Diane played many roles: wife, mother, business woman, and community volunteer. In addition to her husband of 56 years, Edmund (Ret. U.S. Air Force veteran), Diane is survived by her daughter Jennifer Jones (Bob Jones, Ret. Chief of H.P.D.) owner and operator of the bakery “From Scratch” and her son Ed Jr. owner and operator of local landmark, the “West End Grill.” Diane is predeceased by her parents, John and Marie Amendolia and her sister Barbara. She is survived by her brother Andrew (Kathy) and her cousins Joe Speziali and Andrew Amendolia, along with many nieces and nephews. Diane was especially fond of her niece Jessie, and her great nephew Chayce. Born in Hammonton, Diane was a life-long resident, graduating from Hammonton High School in 1965. Diane was a trained E.M.T. and along with her husband Ed and sister-in-law Becky Christon, R.N, she was a dedicated member of the Hammonton Rescue for 10 years. With her friend and sister-in-law Johanna R. Johnson, Diane was partner in two local businesses, “The Linen Garden” and “Under Wraps.” For 11 years she was program manager of “Columbia Caterers,” overseeing hundreds of weddings, along with business, community, and social affairs. She had a keen eye for detail and wasn’t content until her patrons were happy. Diane was a “Juvenile Diabetic” and nature forced her to battle with diabetes from the time of her early teens. She prevailed. With the help of family, especially Becky, Diane lived a full, active life, exceeding the life expectancy of many people with her condition. Diane was a fan of both the Phillies and the Eagles and was thrilled with the championships of both teams. She also enjoyed her trips to New Hope and Lancaster with family and friends. Yet what brought Diane the most joy in life was her two granddaughters, Alexis Jones Barnes (Kevin) and Nicolette Jones Long (Michael). Diane doted on Alexis and Nicolette, believing -correctly- that it was grandparents’ responsibility to spoil their grandchildren. Both young ladies will have many fond memories to comfort them in the years ahead. At the time of her demise, Diane was happy to know that Alexis would provide the family with a great granddaughter in December. Those who were close to her and knew her best understood that she saved her difficult, demanding and “feisty” ways for those she loved most. Diane will be missed by many, especially those of us who appreciated her unconventional sense of humor which tickled those around her. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, October 27, 2023, 11:30am in St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish Church of St. Joseph's, 226 French Street, Hammonton, NJ. Burial will follow in Greenmount Cemetery, Hammonton. A visitation will be held Friday 9:00 am - 11:00 am at the Carnesale Funeral Home, 202 S. Third St., Hammonton. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude PL. Memphis, TN 38105.