Helen Martin Bryan, 93, of Little Silver, passed away peacefully in her sleep Sept. 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born March 7, 1933. In her final days, Helen told her family she had lived a great life and had no regrets. Those words were a last gift and a true reflection of the grace, gratitude and spirit with which she lived.
Helen was predeceased by her parents, H. Bradley Martin (1988) and Katherine Tod Pleydell-Bouverie (1977); her beloved husband, Marsh A. Bryan (2018); and her dear sister, Anne Martin Johnston (1983). She is survived by her four children: Muffie Gur, Michael Bryan Sr., Linda Brenske and Bomber Bryan. She is also survived by her half-sister, Alice M. Takack, and half-brother, H. Bradley Martin. She leaves 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, who always made her smile.
To know Helen was to love her. For decades she was a vibrant, familiar presence in the community, whether in the garden club, on the paddle tennis and tennis courts, on the golf course, or at the bridge table, where she spent decades mastering the game and teaching others. Her sharp mind never rested. She delighted in puzzles, crosswords and Wordle, and she treasured every chance to gather with friends, whatever the occasion. Her warmth, quick wit and zest for life touched everyone around her. She will be deeply missed.
A memorial visitation was held Oct. 2 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A memorial service celebrating Helen’s life was held Oct. 3 at Christ Episcopal Church, 380 Sycamore Ave, Shrewsbury.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a memorial donation in Helen’s honor to the Western Fly Fishing Heritage Center, a nonprofit in Jackson, Wyoming, at WFFHC, P.O. Box 150, Moose, WY 83012, the Little Silver Library at littlesilverlibrary.org, or the Monmouth County SPCA at monmouthcountyspca.org. The family is grateful for your kindness and generosity in her memory.
The article originally appeared in the October 8 – 14, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
