Greenburgh Activist Lois Bronz Dies at 90
Greenburgh activist, humanitarian and political leader, Lois Bronz, died Monday evening. She was 90 years old.
Bronz has been acknowledged as a woman of compassion for her work on racial harmony, child abuse, domestic violence and resulting childhood trauma, acquiring open spaces and parks in Westchester and adult day care.
Bronz, who was born and raised in New Orleans, moved to Greenburgh to pursue a career as a teacher. She later was elected to the Greenburgh Town Board where she served for 16 years, became Westchester’s District 8 County Legislator and was vice-chair and then chair of the County Board of Legislators. She was the first woman and first person of African-American descent to hold this office.
Bronz helped to form the Westchester County Human Rights Commission in 1999.
Having retired from public service in 2009, Bronz served on the board of the Lois Bronz Children’s Center in Greenburgh, a children’s day care and education center serving over 200 children from the ages of six weeks to 12 years. Formerly known as Union Child Day Care, and serving only as a day care center, under Bronz’s initiative the center became education focused. It was later named for Bronz because of all the outstanding work she had done for the community and its children.
Bronz has also served as Director on the boards of Children’s Village in Dobbs Ferry, Westchester Coalition, Westchester Community Opportunity Program, United Way of Westchester, Westchester Arts Council, and the Hudson Valley Council for Senior Citizens.
“Greenburgh and Westchester County lost a giant with the passing of Lois Bronz. Lois was trailblazer who made our community a much better place, said Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner. “She will be missed.”
“As a tireless volunteer, philanthropist, and activist, (Lois Bronz) championed many important causes and served her community with distinction. I am honored to have had the privilege to know and work with a woman of such outstanding character,” said state Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins.
Board Chair Ben Boykin said, “We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of former Chairwoman of the Board Lois Bronz. Lois was a dear friend and colleague.”
Vice-Chair Alfreda Williams added, “Lois was known all throughout Westchester for the important work she did and the issues she stood for. Always a fierce advocate for children and families, Lois’ work continued, in name, deeds, and in spirit. The Lois Bronz Children’s Center will always serve as a reminder of the person she was and the significant impact she had on the people of Westchester, and most especially the Town of Greenburgh.”
