Lioness Colonel (ret) Shawn Welch, Corps of Engineers, US Army, worked with the late Lillian G. Burry as part of the Fort Hancock 21st Century Federal Advisory Committee . He shares his thoughts about the dynamics of the late Monmouth County Freeholder/Commissioner and her tenacity in working towards completion of every project started. Lillian died Aug. 28 and will be buried following a service at Colts Neck Reformed Church in Colts Neck on September 8.
Colonel Welch wrote:
I have known Lillain Burry since 2013 when we met as members of the newly constituted Fort Hancock 21st Century Federal Advisory Committee. Her passing this past week has left a hole in our community and mine and my wife’s hearts.
Lillian was a joy to work with – her ability to help people feel at ease and focus on the issues at hand was remarkable and uncommon. Lillian had that special ability to bring people together to work on solutions to even the most contentious of issues. She built teams and coalitions by reaching out to all people involved with a particular issue and bringing them to the table for productive, focused discussion and resolution.
Lillian fully understood resources (money, people and time) – and she understood they are finite. She was respectful of the taxpayer’s money. Most importantly, she knew how to prioritize. Lillian was refreshingly effective.
Lillian was a tremendous force for good – she clearly cared about the future of Monmouth County and our Country and went to extraordinary lengths to support those ends.
Lillian’s understanding of our collective place in history was singularly noteworthy. She was a strong supporter of historic preservation – with an eye to both the past and the future. She had the ability to see opportunity in a collapsing landmark structure at Fort Hancock’s historic post area. Due to her foresight, the Marine Academy for Science and Technology has already had one addition and should soon have a second key addition to their facilities. Lillian’s leadership and focus made this possible. Lillian fully understood the importance of Sandy Hook peninsula – The Fort Hancock and Sandy Hook Proving Ground National Historic Landmark District – and how critical it is to both save it and have it support our future.
Lillian’s work with Hartshorne Woods Park and restoration of Battery Lewis (complete with an actual 16-inch gun barrel) is remarkable and unparalleled. Preservation and purposeful reuse go hand in hand, and Lillian fully grasped that key point.
Lillian wasn’t afraid to take on the most salient issues even in the face of strong (even unhinged) opposition. Her push for a County resolution supporting the US Constitution, all of it (including the Second Amendment) met with stiff resistance and personal attacks from those who are really challenged at understanding our governing documents. Lillian tackled their vapid responses in stride and pushed ahead to a successful vote. She could always be counted upon to stand up for what is right regardless of the pushback or personal cost. Lillian was truly the “Lioness of Monmouth County”.
We will miss Lillian greatly.
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