Lynn Kearney passed away on Thursday, February 18, 2021 after a two year courageous battle with a glioblastoma. Lynn was born in Hackensack and raised in Lodi. She later settled in Red Bank. She was the daughter of the late Gladys and John Chicken. Loving mother of Lisa Hippe (Brian), Ryan and Megan Kearney. Dear sister of John "Greg" Chicken and Leah Chicken and sister-in-law Jean Chicken. Adored grandma of Connor and Kayla Hippe. Predeceased by brother Dennis Chicken and sister-in-law Rita Chicken. Dear aunt of Jonathan Chicken, Brent Chicken (Becky) and Blake Chicken (Kristin). Dear great-aunt to Lillian and Oren Chicken.

Lynn's love of nursing began as a volunteer candy striper at the original St. Mary's Hospital, Passaic, NJ. This is where she began her clinical career in 1973 as a bedside Registered Nurse specializing in the Emergency Department and Critical Care and rising to an administrative position. Her selfless dedication for serving those who were critically ill and in need was something that Lynn carried with her throughout her professional career of over 45 years.

Lynn held multiple nursing leadership positions across New Jersey including the Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Rahwah, NJ from 2008- 2014 and Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at RWJ Barnabas Health, Somerset from 2014-2019.

Lynn received her Associates Degree in Nursing from Felician College, her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Dominican College and her Masters of Science Degree specializing in Health Care Administration from New Jersey University. She was board certified as a Nurse Executive from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She served as an adjunct Clinical Instructor at Felician College for pediatric, medical and surgical nursing students and dedicated her clinical skills to serving the Clifton Post Office as a BLS instructor.

Lynn maintained multiple professional community affiliations serving as a member of the NJ Organization of Nurse Leaders, the NJ Hospital Association Chief Nurse Constituency Group, the Advisory Board of Felician College, the Advisory Board of Raritan Community College and a member of the Philippine Nurses Association of NJ Somerset County Sub Chapter.

She was an inductee to the Felician College Nursing Hall of Honor and received a Distinguished Service Award from RWJ University Hospital Somerset.

Lynn was a true inspirational and transformational leader who lead by example. Her passion for delivering safe, high quality clinical care delivered with the utmost compassion and respect set a high bar for clinicians that she worked with. Lynn took great pride in mentoring new nurses to become exceptional clinicians. Most recently under her executive leadership at RWJ Barnabas Health Somerset, she developed several initiatives that improved patient satisfaction and care. She helped to form the first Patient Family Advisory Council, implemented a nursing clinical ladder to encourage nurses ongoing education and certification and guided the team to its second American Nurses Credentialing Center distinguished Magnet Designation in 2016.

Lynn was the quintessential nursing leader who often shared her thoughts and inspirational words of wisdom. When asked by family or friends for medical advice or referral, Lynn always came through. Her caring way, beautiful smile and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew her.

Funeral from Costa Memorial Home Boulevard and Central Ave. Hasbrouck Heights on Tuesday, February 23rd at 9 AM. Funeral Liturgy from St. Francis de Sales R.C. Church Lodi at 10 AM. Interment will be private at Laurel Grove Memorial Park, Totowa. Visitation Monday, February 22nd from 3-5 and 7-9 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Somerset Health Care Foundation 110 Rehill Ave. Somerville, NJ 08876 would be appreciated, on memo line please print Nurse's Education Fund.