By Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester):

“My wife Marie and I offer our prayers and deepest condolences to Lillian’s devoted husband and best friend—Don—and to all their family, friends and loved ones.

“Lillian Burry was a very special woman and she will be missed.

“Over the course of several years, I had the great honor of working with this amazing former Monmouth County Freeholder Director and Colts Neck Mayor.

“I admired her deep commitment to public service, her quick wit, sense of humor, courage and tenacity to get things done.

"The lives of so many—including and especially veterans—were blessed by her work.

"Among the many examples, Lillian boldly led the effort to provide housing to homeless veterans which resulted in the Gordon Mansfield Veterans Community in Tinton Falls—a model for the nation."