Christina "Tina" (Kilanowski) Johnston

Wharton:  Christina “Tina” Johnston, 81, of Wharton, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on December 31st, 2025 surrounded by her loving children.

Born in Passaic, New Jersey, Christina – known to all as Tina – was the beloved daughter of the late Kay and Ziegfried Kilanowski. She made Wharton her home for more than 40 years, where she became a familiar, cherished presence in the community.  Volunteering as a coach of little league, contributing to the St. Marys Parish and leading some of the Senior programs.

Tina was preceded in death by her husbands, Lindsay Johnston and Robert Kuipers. After their passing, she worked tirelessly and selflessly to raise her three children on her own, a testament to her strength, resilience, and unwavering love as a mother.

She is survived by her loving family, including her older sister Terry DeRoos, her younger brother Richard Kilanowski and his wife Donna, and her three devoted children, Sandra, Samantha, and Jason and his wife Alexis, who were the pride and joy of her life. She was also an amazing Aunt and Great Aunt to many nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.

She was a deeply proud grandmother of seven to Amanda, Erik, Andy, Brandie, Catarina, Giovanni, and Santino, and a treasured great-grandmother to Danika, whose life brought her immense happiness.

For more than 40 years, Tina worked as a Waitress where she was much more than an employee – she was family. Her warmth, quick wit, and genuine care left a lasting impression on everyone who walked through the door. Tina had a rare gift for making people feel seen and welcome, whether they were lifelong friends or strangers meeting her for the first time.

Tina loved summertime, the beach, and soaking up the sun – often with her homemade baby oil and iodine tanning concoction. She truly enjoyed her retirement and cherished time spent with family and friends. She was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and the New York Jets, cheering faithfully through every season.

She loved hosting holiday pool parties that brought together friends and family, filling her home with laughter, food, and joy. Tina also enjoyed many DIY projects and had a creative spirit, spending countless hours painting and crafting.

Known as the life of every gathering, Tina’s laughter filled rooms and her strength carried her through life’s challenges. She was a strong, resilient woman who loved fiercely and lived fully. Those who knew her will remember her kindness, her humor, and the way she brought people together.

“Live with kindness, love without hesitation, and leave every place better than you found it.”

Visitation will be held 6:00pm to 9:00pm on Monday, January 5, 2026 at the Bermingham Funeral Home, 216 S. Main Street, Wharton.

A funeral mass will be held 10:00am on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at St. Mary's Church, Wharton.

Interment will follow at Fair Lawn Memorial Cemetery, Fair Lawn, NJ. 

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