It was simply a way to handle the grief they all shared. It was Rhoda who came up with the idea, then e-mailed a dozen or so friends of the late Lillian Burry. Her suggestion? Before going to the viewing later in the afternoon, why not meet for lunch and share some of the stories we all hold in our hearts about Lillian Burry, Mrs. Monmouth County, the woman who could do anything.
Of course the group would meet at Huddy’s. Everyone knew it was one of Lillian’s favorite restaurants, and all of them had met Lillian or been there with her on more than one occasion. Lilian would like it, they decided, if we all met there.
This all happened September 8, the day of the viewing for the late freeholder/commissioner who died August 28 and is being buried after a church service at the Reformed Church in Colts Neck at 11 a.m. September 9.
Eight friends, most of them women who had worked with Lillian in some capacity, some friends who simply enjoyed her company. But all with stories to tell about special moments with the woman who could accomplish anything.
Gerry started it off recalling one of the Presidential inaugurations she and her Jim went to with Lillian. She was impressed by her vivacity and encouraged her to run for freeholder; confident she would make it. Jim, Gerry recalls, ran her first fund raiser for that successful run…and several others afterwards. It was easy to see Gerry can tell excellence when she sees it. So many stories, Gery sighed, grateful for the memories and opportunity to share them.
Rhoda remembered dozens of activities, parties, business meetings she was at ; a photographer known to everyone in the Monmouth County political world,, Rhoda insisted on photographing Lillian, sometimes in one of her St. Johns suits, always with her spike heels, ever the fashion plate. She smiled, so happy she has taken so many photos that will now be constant remembrances of her friend.
Priscilla remembered Lillian always stopped at her table in Huddy’s to share some news and just to spread happiness.
Tamara had tons of memories about Lillian and her love for, and knowledge of, local history and events or personalities including Molly Pitcher and Revolutionary War stories.
Even Diana the waitress, wanted to join in the conversation with an unusual story of her own. A Union Beach resident, she had brought her dog along to watch a parade there when Lillian was passing and waving from the passenger seat of the car in the line of march. Diana ran closer to the parade contingent, eager to say a special hello to Lillian. Her dog leaped out of her arms and into Lillian’s lap. The gracious lady just laughed and said the dog could finish the ride. And Diana met her at the end of the parade, a dog a bit happier for its little trek.
But there’s more to this story, Dianna said, “and it’s eerie.” As the group of eight bent to listen, Dianna said, “that dog? That dog who jumped in with Lillian so many years ago. He just died August 28.” That was the day Lillian Burry passed away.
Pat and Nancy listened to all the stories, and for certain had their own as well. Pat told a few short quips about Lillian at Cream Ridge and how they rolled out the red carpet for her, coming in out of the rain in her spiked heels and latest fashions. She and Nancy smiled, they agreed with the others, ,then they sat back and reveled in their own memories about a friend they could never forget.
Marian remembered so many things about the woman she worked with and loved. She remembered baking biscotti for her as well, something she loved to enjoy with a glass of Santa Marguerita Pino Grigio.
The Monmouth County working group also had fond memories of others whose names came up in Lillian conversations; They remembered the kindness of Jane Clayton, the thoughtfulness of Ted Naronzanick, and the list went on.
And when conversation died down, the dishes were cleared, the ice tea and soda glasses drained, the ladies agreed it had been a beneficial get together; a time when they could laugh, recall, and reiterate the many lessons they learned from Lillian Burry.
They left Huddy’s Restaurant, a bit happier, a bit more content with their memories of a lady who had made a deep influence on all their lives. They headed to the Holmdel Funeral Home where they now felt strengthened and able to share prayers and sympathy with the entire Burry family, Don, daughter Lenore, two grandchildren and Lillian’s sister Alba, along with the hundreds of others who wanted to extend sympathy and memories with the distraught family.
And like Lillian herself,, the family put aside their own grief, their own trauma, to graciously accept the prayers and sympathy of those they knew she loved…and they loved her.
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