Joan Learn Nye

Joan Learn Nye

AGE: 87 • Tinton Falls and Stuart, FL

Joan Learn Nye, died on Sunday, May 10, 2015, after a brief illness. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Francis LaMotte from the Bronx, Joan was born on March 9, 1928 and was the oldest of two children. She attended Villa Maria Academy in the Bronx and graduated from Parsons School of Design in NYC. Joan was deeply committed to young children, understanding how they learn, and ways in which to help them overcome disabilities. She was a pioneer in early childhood education and founded Winding Brook School in 1968. Winding Brook remains a well-respected and sought-after preschool in Tinton Falls, carrying on the legacy she created. Joan was a talented artist and enjoyed painting portraits of her students over her more than 60 year career. She leaves behind wonderful memories and will be remembered for her selflessness, generosity and kindness by all who knew her.

She is the cherished mother of her two children, Brian Learn (Lori Learn) of Tinton Falls and Debbie Learn Cooper (Parke Cooper) of Atlanta, Georgia, and is also survived her brother, Frank of Manassas, Virginia and her five beloved grandchildren, Jamie, Shane and Trevor Learn and Caitlin and Taylor Cooper.

A memorial gathering will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 29 at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St., Red Bank. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 30 at St. James Church, 94 Broad St., Red Bank. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Jason's Dreams For Kids, 20 Monmouth St., Red Bank, NJ 07701 or online at jasonsdreamsforkids.com.