Lynne Bransfield nee Kirkham, 71, of Holmdel, NJ, died peacefully in her home on Saturday, September 12th, 2020. She was born in Manhattan, New York, in 1949. She attended the Sacred Heart Academy in New York City. Her family moved to Scotch Plains, New Jersey, and she graduated from Union Catholic High School. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, and teacher.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 40 years, Dr. Robert Bransfield; their children Courtney of Holmdel, NJ, Craighton of Wanamassa, NJ, and Douglas of Marlboro, NJ. She was an animal lover and loved her cats and many Rottweilers who were lucky enough to call her mother as well.

Lynne started out her career working as a buyer with the Lord & Taylor department store. Her beauty and love of fashion gained her a contract with the prestigious Ford modeling agency. Although she left the industry, her love and passion for fashion continued her whole life. She was always known as one of the best dressed women in the room. She also became a correspondent and PR representative for ABC news, and she was part of the Calgary Winter Olympic news coverage team.

Education was very important to Lynne and it was a large facet of her life. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Seton Hall University in 1971 with its first class of women. She received her Master’s in Education at the top of her class from the College of New Jersey. She worked as a special education teacher and residential/educational coordinator for the Children’s Psychiatric Center of Morganville, New Jersey. She also served as a board member for the Lord Sterling School of Basking Ridge, New Jersey. She was a tireless advocate for special needs children and their families. Her advocacy for NAPSEC in Washington DC and constant charity work for her students were also a big part of her life. She was involved with “Project Literacy” and worked with both former First Lady Barbara Bush and Oprah Winfrey and worked with them firsthand. Her love and devotion to her students far exceeded the four walls of her classroom. She worked hard to instill a sense of commitment and compassion to special needs, emotionally impaired, and autistic children.

Visitation will be Friday, September 18, 2020 from 5:00-8:00 PM at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel. A service will be held Saturday, September 19, 2020 at 10:00 AM at the Holmdel Funeral Home. A burial will follow at the Holmdel Mausoleum, 900 Holmdel Road, Holmdel.

To share a favorite memory of Lynne or send messages of condolence please visit her page of tributes at www.holmdelfuneralhome.com.

All current health restrictions apply. Masks are required.