Huldah Ann Rohan

Huldah Ann Rohan (née Thomas), affectionately known as Hope, answered the call home, peacefully returning to her beloved Lord and Savior on January 28, 2025, at 82 years of age. Hope was born and raised in Edison, New Jersey, to the late William and Lillian Thomas as the sixth of thirteen siblings on October 8, 1942. She will be fondly remembered as a gentle spirit, a magnanimous woman of deep faith, wisdom, and boundless joy. Her infectious exuberance for life and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ defined her existence.

Hope attended Edison High School, after which she married Calvin Rohan Jr. and moved to Linden, NJ, where they raised their growing family. In October 1969, an unexpected tragedy claimed her beloved husband’s life. Despite the challenges of being widowed with four young children, Hope's resilient spirit and steadfast faith in God helped her navigate single parenthood and reenter the workforce with grace. Her devotion to her children remained her guiding force, ensuring they remained tightly knit and had opportunities she had never been exposed to. In 1976 Hope and the late Rudolph (Rudy) Marrow had a child, blended their families and eventually moved to Highland Park, a community she loved dearly and where she lived for the rest of her life.

Throughout her career, Hope held numerous positions, ultimately retiring as a Supervisor with the Thermometrics Corporation, where she led a team responsible for quality control and product testing. However, if you knew Hope, you knew that her most cherished role was that of mother and grandmother. She beamed with pride over her beautiful family, and few things brought her more joy than visits from her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She had the unique ability to make each one feel like they were her favorite. Throughout her lifetime she instilled in them the most precious gift, love and loyalty for the sanctity of family that will endure for generations to come. 

Hope maintained notably close relationships with her siblings and she especially enjoyed reminiscing on precious time spent with her sisters. She also revered and valued time spent with dear friends and her community, actively participating in various local activities. She was an integral part of her church family and remained fiercely committed to her faith.  Hope was an avid reader and self taught with a thirst for knowledge. She loved playing word games. Hope was remarkably computer-savvy, playing online games and maintaining an active presence across multiple social media platforms. She had a keen interest in true crime and found televised trials riveting. A dedicated gardener, she found solace in cultivating her outdoor garden as well as caring for her collection of houseplants. Hope was also an exceptional cook who delighted in gathering family and friends around delicious meals, creating vivid memories that will be treasured forever.

Hope is preceded by her daughter, Staci Dawn Sawyer, and her siblings Bishop Caldwell Thomas, Raymond Thomas Sr., Rev. Robert Thomas, Rebecca Bass, Annie (Shirley) R. Bryant, William Thomas Jr., Horace Thomas, and Darlene Thomas.

She is survived by her children Raymond Rohan, Calvin Rohan III (Regina) of Smyrna, GA, Mark Rohan (Olivia) of Perth Amboy, NJ, Cheryl Gillison of Newark, DE, Kimberlyn Bodie of Middletown, DE, Kisha Adkins (Alex) of Piscataway, NJ, and Rudolph Lashawn Rohan (Tasha) of South Bound Brook, NJ, as well as her son-in-law, Elder Arthur Sawyer.

She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Todd Rohan, TK Rohan, Staci Rohan, Janell Rohan, Shania Rohan, Calvin Rohan IV, Kimisha Abram (Ellis), Elder Arthur V. Sawyer (Ciara), Kylah Rohan, Mason Rohan, Janayshia James, Zahir James, Zaniera James, Tyrell Bodie, Isaiah Bodie, Shamiah Johnson, David Johnson, Latisha Gillison, Jasmine Chandler along with eighteen great-grandchildren. 

Hope is survived by her cherished siblings Diane G. Sorrell of Edison, Nancy Thomas of Edison, Jerry Thomas of Wilkes-Barre, PA, and Dennis O. Thomas of Edison.

She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends who will forever hold her memory in their hearts.

Her legacy of love, resilience, and unwavering faith will live on through the family she cherished so deeply.