In Memoriam: Rumson-Raised Rumson High School ’52 Grad, Lillian Shea Briskey, 88

Rumson-raised Rumson High School 1952 graduate and longtime former Oceanport resident, Lillian Kathrine Shea Briskey, passed away peacefully on April 29 in Lake Bluff, IL. She was 88.

Born to Daniel Martin Shea and Lillian Stiehl Shea of Rumson, Lillian grew up on North Street, in an area filled with many family members and friends. Her father was a veteran of World War I who was “fortunate to find employment with the borough in the fire houses as a borough mechanic/driver during the depression and World War II years.”

“All who loved Lillian will never forget her devotion to her husband, love for her children, endearment for her grandchildren, bond with her immediate-extended family and friends, and elegant style …

“Lillian married the love of her life in 1959, Edward Stuart Briskey, a fourth-generation Oceanport resident, and dashing WWII P-40 fighter pilot. Shortly after they were married, ‘Stu’ moved his wife to the Port-Au-Peck section of Oceanport onto the Briskey compound. They built a home, third on the block, on a dirt road, in
what she referred to as her ‘never never land.’
It is here where she raised her three children and attended their various activities over the years. Lillian was the president of the Oceanport Crafters Group for many years and also enjoyed knitting many hats in any color combination desired.
She always loved sitting on the beach in the late afternoon.

“Lillian and Stu were married for 51 years. She was preceded in death by her loving husband in 2010. They were always together and enjoyed spending time with their family and friends. Most of all, they were devoted and faithful Roman Catholics who preferred Traditionalist Catholicism. Both taught The Baltimore Catechism at The Church of the Precious Blood in Monmouth Beach, NJ for many years. They were also very active in various groups at surrounding area parishes.”
Loved ones of Lillian Katherine Shea Briskey in her obituary

Lillian eventually moved to Seabrook Senior Living in Tinton Falls after Superstorm Sandy. “She joined a community of former and new friends, and enjoyed her time there.” In March 2020, she moved to The Sheridan at Green Oaks in Lake Bluff, IL.

“She was very grateful to the healthcare team, as is her family, who provided excellent care, especially during the span of COVID, and that her daughter and son-in-law were so close by.”

Lillian is survived by: her three children, son, Stuart Edward and wife Patricia (Rabbitt) of Oceanport, daughter, Gretchen (Lillian Briskey) and husband Dr. Michael Bellino, of Lake Bluff, IL, son Steven Shea Briskey and wife Lori (Bennett) of Oceanport; and her five grandchildren, Shea, Kate, Mia and Lily Bellino and Daniel Briskey.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 12, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. Requiem mass (Latin) of chrisitan burial will be held on Saturday, May 13^, at 9:30 a.m. at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 121 Bridge Ave, Red Bank. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, West Long Branch.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home