Lucille B. Traynor

Lucille Burns Traynor, of North Beach Haven, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, after a brief illness. She was diagnosed with brain cancer shortly after Thanksgiving and faced her illness with strength, dignity, and grace.

Born and raised in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia, Lucille was the daughter of the late Michael F.X. Burns and Harriet Golas Burns. She also spent her entire life enjoying Long Beach Island, having grown up spending all of her summers there with her grandfather.

She attended Cathedral School and graduated from John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School in 1964. Many of her Hallahan classmates also spent their summers on Long Beach Island, and those friendships became a treasured part of her life for decades.

Lucille met the love of her life, Detective Gerard W. Traynor, when they were just eleven years old while spending summers on Long Beach Island. The two shared a lifelong bond and countless happy summers by the shore. They married and made their home in the Juniata Park section of Philadelphia, where they raised their family until Gerard’s passing in the line of duty in 1987.

After returning to school, Lucille earned her degree from La Salle University and began a distinguished career in education. She taught mathematics and computer science at Bishop McDevitt High School in Wyncote, Pennsylvania, where she also served as Head of the Math Department, as well as at La Salle University and Beaver College. Lucille loved her students and took great pride in their accomplishments, often keeping in touch with them long after graduation. She deeply valued the camaraderie and lifelong friendships she shared with her fellow teachers, who became like family to her.

Summers were always spent on Long Beach Island, where Lucille enjoyed time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. For many years, she filled her summers working as a hostess at The Seashell Club. She loved being around young people, sharing stories, and enjoying the energy of the beach. One of her proudest personal accomplishments came in 2019 when she built her home in North Beach Haven — a reflection of her strength, independence, and lifelong love of the island.

Several years after the loss of her husband, Lucille found companionship and happiness once again with Peter Coyne, with whom she shared 30 years. Together, they enjoyed watching their families grow and welcoming numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren into their lives. Their time together was filled with friendship, laughter, and love. Peter passed away in September of 2025.

Lucille is survived by her beloved children, Gerard Traynor (Lisa) and Joann Pasterkiewicz (John); her cherished grandchildren, Katie Cleland, Emily Lewis (Hunter), Eric Strobel (Alexandra Steinberg), Sarah Traynor, Patrick Cleland, Cassandra Traynor, and Gerard III Traynor; and her adored great-grandchildren, Teagan and Oakley Lewis.

She is also survived by Peter’s children, Elizabeth Cicco (James), Margie Gallo (Damon), and Maura Robbins (Scott), and eight loving grandchildren.

Lucille will be remembered for her generosity, intelligence, and devotion to family and friends. She cherished her family as well as her many lifelong friendships and the time she spent with those she loved most. Her life was filled with memories of laughter, teaching, and fishing — but most of all, countless days spent on the beaches of Long Beach Island, sharing with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren the same love of the island she carried throughout her entire life.

A memorial gathering will be held on February 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 4700 Long Beach Blvd., Brant Beach, New Jersey 08008. Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m.