Heather Ellen Hopkin Ray Tynan, 74, of West Long Branch, passed away peacefully on Sept. 15, 2016, in her son’s home in Canton, Georgia, surrounded by her loving family and friends.
Mrs. Tynan was born on July 9, 1942, and grew up in Peekskill and Riverdale, New York. Her highly regarded career as a court administrator brought her great joy for more than 30 years. She was eventually elected president of the Court Administrator’s Association for the State of New Jersey. During her tenure, she proudly passed legislation to create a certified program for court clerks to become court administrators.
Among her many interests and hobbies were reading, piano, growing roses, playing bridge, traveling and spending time along the beach. Her greatest joy in life was people — her friends, her husband and beloved children, her cherished grandchildren who never ceased to make her laugh, received her with unconditional love and of whom she was very proud. Her generosity and compassion were without limit. Outgoing and fun-loving, Mrs. Tynan always had a genuine concern for the well-being of others. She will be missed.
Mrs. Tynan was preceded in death by her parents, John Ross “Jack” and Angela “Jane” Hopkin; her daughter, Claire Lee Ray; and her beloved husband and best friend, James Tynan.
Mrs. Tynan is survived by her sons, Eugene (Ted) of Eatontown and Timothy Ray of Canton, Georgia; her grandsons Johnny and Tommy Ray of Canton, Georgia; her step-granddaughter Ashley Bissonette; her dog and constant companion, Bailey; her precious friend, Cheryl Begane of West Long Branch; and her brother, Ross, and his wife, Cheryl Hopkin of Lewisville, Texas. She also leaves her beloved stepdaughters, Deborah Tynan of Wilmington, North Carolina, and Christine and stepson-in-law Mark Huston of Dallas, Texas; nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as numerous friends gained over seven decades of active life.
A Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Oct. 1 at Star of the Sea (Christ the King Parish) in Long Branch. A repass will be held at Mr. and Mrs. Tynan’s revered place, Zachary’s in West Long Branch, following Mass.
Cremation arrangements were made under the direction of Georgia Cremation Centers, Acworth, Georgia.
Mrs. Tynan respectfully requested no donations or flowers. Her final request was to pay it forward; she asked to fulfill acts of kindness on her behalf.