Marjorie Anne Abson (née Gibson), 82, a beloved teacher, devoted family member, and cherished friend, passed away May 19, 2026, in Neptune.
Born Sept. 9, 1943, in Summit, to Royal H. Gibson Sr. and Anne Jacoby Gibson, Marjorie cultivated a lifelong love of learning and community. She was raised in Rumson and attended Kent Place School in Summit before earning her Bachelor of Arts from Hood College and a master’s degree from Monmouth University.
She married her English sweetheart, Roger C. Abson, in April 1970 and they settled in Fair Haven shortly thereafter.
Marjorie began her teaching journey in the Long Branch School District. Soon after, she began teaching middle school math at the Rumson Country Day School and Knollwood School in Fair Haven. She celebrated Pi Day every March 14 with pies for her classes as she always looked to find ways to make math approachable and fun. Even after retiring from Knollwood, she continued to share her love of teaching as a substitute teacher in Oceanport and Fair Haven schools. She never passed up a chance to tutor a student in algebra or for the SAT to help them be the best student they could be.
Marjorie was proud to stay in touch with her “kids” years after they had graduated from middle school; she was even invited to high school and college graduation ceremonies and wedding receptions.
Undoubtedly, Marjorie’s greatest source of pride was her family. She never passed up a chance to watch her grandchildren compete or talk about their accomplishments. As Grammy, she was a known presence on their soccer, track and baseball sidelines. She loved sports statistics and knew the times her grandchildren could run down to the 0.1-second mark, her grandson’s batting average, and how many goals her granddaughter had scored. If she could not attend a game or a meet, she would be sure to follow it online if it was broadcast.
Marjorie is survived by her daughter Cynthia DeSousa and son-in-law Brian DeSousa; her son Thomas Abson and daughter-in-law Brooke Abson; her five grandchildren, Evan DeSousa, Christopher DeSousa, Catherine DeSousa, Cameron Abson and Melanie Abson; her brother Russell Gibson; and her sister Virginia McHugh.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Roger C. Abson, in 1975. She was also predeceased by her parents, her brother Royal H. Gibson Jr., her niece Amy Catherine Black, and her sister-in-law Cynthia Clinch and brother-in-law Christopher Clinch.
She also leaves behind her sister-in-law Kimberly Gibson, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and her loyal dog, Hannah.
An animal lover at heart, Marjorie was known as a “dog whisperer” for her remarkable ability to connect with not only her pets but so many of the dogs in the area, jumping at the chance to dog-sit while their owners traveled. Additionally, her faith was also central to her life. As an active member of St. George’s-by-the-River Episcopal Church in Rumson, she sang in the choir, served as a Lay Eucharistic Minister, and participated in numerous church activities and volunteering opportunities, such as the Canterbury Fair, the River Road Run, CASA, and Family Promise, enriching her community whenever she could.
All were invited to gather and pay respects May 23 in the Resurrection Chapel at St-George’s-by-the-River, followed by a memorial service at the church and refreshments in the parish hall. Her ashes were spread in the Memorial Garden at St. George’s alongside her husband Roger.
Marjorie’s legacy of kindness, dedication, and love will continue to inspire all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to the Monmouth County SPCA or St. George’s-by-the-River Episcopal Church in her memory.
The article originally appeared in the June 11 – 17, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
