Maria S. Johnson, 73, of Newport, RI passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 26, 2026, at Silver Creek Manor in Bristol, RI.
Born in Newport, RI, to Armando and Rose Napoli on December 26, 1952, Maria graduated from St. Catherine’s High School, attended Northampton Junior College, and continued on to work as a baker for Crest Farms and many bed-and-breakfasts throughout the Newport area.
She met her husband, Jim Johnson, while they both worked at the Newport Daily News. They married in June of 1975 and recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary just prior to Jim’s death in August of 2026.
A woman of many talents, she was curious, intellectual, and kind. She was the Assistant Manager of Waldenbooks on Bellevue Avenue where she became a favorite of customers and also made many lifelong friends. Customers sought Maria out to help them find a great book or the perfect gift for a friend or family member. Maria often brought her young daughter, Elizabeth, to work with her. Maria was an avid reader and gifted her daughter with that same love of reading. She found joy in her work at Waldenbooks and upon leaving there, became an account representative for Tuition Management, Inc., assisting families with navigating the costs of higher education.
Family and friends knew that Maria showed her love for those around her by using her many culinary talents. She was both a baker and a chef and no matter the size of the gathering, she always made sure that each person seated at the table was served something they enjoyed. She often learned a new recipe simply because it was someone’s favorite.
Maria was also known for her quick wit. She would make her feelings known with a funny comeback or her signature “hairy eyeball” when Jim or Elizabeth said or did something of which she didn’t approve. Along with her wit, she was also deeply compassionate and caring. She was a dedicated parishioner of St. Mary’s Church, Newport, and served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years and sang in the Senior Choir, which was directed by her mother, Rose. She was blessed with many gifts, which she generously shared with those around her.
In 2022, Maria welcomed her beautiful granddaughter, Caroline, who immediately became the apple of her eye and brought her immeasurable joy. Both Maria and Jim looked forward to every opportunity to spend time with her. True to form, Maria especially cherished reading to her granddaughter, carrying forward a beloved family tradition.
Maria is survived by her daughter and son in law, Elizabeth and Karl Magner, and her granddaughter, Caroline, of Warren, RI. She is also survived by her siblings Anne (Anthony) Smeglin, Stephen (Mary Ann) Napoli, Joseph (Michaela) Napoli, and Elizabeth (Kevin) McCaffery, as well as many nieces and nephews from both sides of the family.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Jim Johnson, and her parents, Rose T. and Armando J. Napoli.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, October 1, 2026, at St. Mary’s Church, corner of Spring St & Memorial Blvd, Newport at 10:00 AM. Visitation will be private. Burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Maria to Beacon Hospice at regions.billeriq.com/ebpp/AmedisysFoun/
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