Marjorie Anne "Grammy" Abson (née Gibson), 82, a beloved teacher, devoted family member, and cherished friend, passed away on May 19, 2026, in Neptune, New Jersey.
Born on September 9, 1943, in Summit, New Jersey, 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 degree from Hood College and her Master’s degree from Monmouth University. She married her English sweetheart Roger C. Abson in April 1970 and settled in Fair Haven shortly thereafter, beginning 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 3/14 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. She was proud to stay in touch with her “kids” years after they had graduated from middle school, even being 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. She was a known presence on their soccer, track, and baseball sidelines. She loved sports statistics and knew what times her grandchildren could run down to the 0.1 second, what her grandson’s batting average was, 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.
She is survived by her daughter Cynthia DeSousa and son-in-law Brian DeSousa; her son Thomas Abson and daughter-in-law Brooke Abson; and her five grandchildren: Evan DeSousa, Christopher DeSousa, Catherine DeSousa, Cameron Abson, Melanie Abson; and 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 dogsit 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 Canterbury Fair, the River Road Run, CASA, and Family Promise that enriched her community whenever she could.
All are invited to gather and pay respects on Saturday, May 23, 2026 beginning at 11:00 AM in the Resurrection Chapel at St-George’s-by-the-River Episcopal Church, 7 Lincoln Avenue, Rumson, followed by a memorial service at the church at noon and refreshments to follow the service in the parish hall. Her ashes will be 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.
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