Lillian Kathrine Briskey née Shea, age 88, passed away peacefully April 29, 2023, in Lake Bluff, Illinois. She was a former resident of Oceanport for 53 years.
Born to Daniel Martin Shea and Lillian Stiehl Shea of Rumson, she grew up on North Street, in an area filled with many family members and friends. Her father was a veteran of the First World War 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.
Lillian spent her youth anxiously awaiting the return of her three older brothers who were serving their country overseas: Danny in the United States Army Air Force, Tommy and Paul both in the United States Navy. She graduated from Rumson High School in 1952.
Lillian married the love of her life – Edward Stuart Briskey, a fourth-generation Oceanport resident and dashing WWII P-40 fighter pilot – in 1959. 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 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 for many years. They were also very active in various groups at surrounding area parishes.
Lillian eventually moved to Seabrook Senior Living in Tinton Falls due to the devastation of Super Storm Sandy which flooded her home on Manitto Place. 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, Illinois. She was very grateful to the health care 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 his wife Patricia (Rabbitt) of Oceanport; daughter Gretchen (Lillian Briskey) Bellino and her husband Dr. Michael Bellino of Lake Bluff, Illinois; son Steven Shea and his wife Lori (Bennett) of Oceanport and her five grandchildren: Shea, Kate, Mia and Lily Bellino and Daniel Briskey.
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.
Visitation will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 12 at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St., Red Bank. A Requiem Mass (Latin) of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. May 13 at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 121 Bridge Ave., Red Bank. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, West Long Branch.
The article originally appeared in the May 11 – 17, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
