Ethel Johnson Zagaja

Ethel Johnson Zagaja, 108, of the Atrium at Navesink Harbor in Red Bank passed away Wednesday, October 11th.  She was born and raised in Long Branch to the late Taylor Washington and Eolah (nee: Fields) Johnson.

Ethel was a pioneer in women’s athletics playing on the traveling Basketball Team in the early 1930’s for JCP&L and an original member of the U.S.G. (“Us Girls” Club). She worked for EAI in West Long Branch for 20 years.

She was a foster parent to 20 children and crocheted over 1300 hats for newborns at the Riverview Med. Ctr. Ethel is predeceased by her first husband Walter Johnson in 1976 and her second husband John Zagaja in 2001.  She is survived by her loving children and their wives; Steven and Karen Johnson, Daniel Whitley, Chris and Joan Alessi. Also surviving are her beloved grandchildren Melissa Lace, Matthew Johnson, Lauren Foster and Mary Lou Whitley and 4 great grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will be at the John E. Day Funeral Home 85 Riverside Red Bank on Sunday, October 15th from 2:00 – 5:00 pm. Interment will be Monday, October 16th at 11:00 am at Fairview Cemetery, Rt. 35 So. Middletown, NJ.  Donations to the Neo Natal unit at Riverview Medical Center appreciated.  

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