Simone Lipton

Simone Gross Lipton Public relations executive for the jewelry industry, fundraiser, proud mother and grandmother Simone Gross Lipton (nee Flax) passed away on Aug. 16, 2016, in North Hills, N.Y., with her daughters by her side. She formerly resided in Fort Lee, N.J. Simone was the beloved mother of Barbara Gross Franklin (Michael) and Jackie Gross (Stuart Siris); and proud grandmother of Adam Goodkind and Laura Goodkind. She was predeceased by her husband, Seymour Lipton. She is also survived by her brother, Walter Flax (Googie) and stepdaughter, Sherry Citrin (Gary). Simone was predeceased by her sister, Gloria (Robert) Lowenstein.

Simone was born on March 18, 1932, in Newark, N.J., to Jacob and Janet Flax. She grew up in Newark and South Orange, N.J., graduating from Columbia High School in South Orange. Simone attended Adelphi University and then transferred to and graduated from Upsala College in 1954, majoring in both French and Spanish. She was a pioneer career woman, establishing a reputation in public relations, first for a French magazine, Realites, in New York City. Not wanting to commute while raising two daughters, she worked first for Fluid Chemical in Newark, N.J., then became director of communications for RJA (Retail Jewelers of America). She established herself as the go-to person with both the press and retail jewelers worldwide, and was a mentor and role model to many young women throughout her career. In addition, she held several major fundraisers for Neurofibromatosis Type 2, which afflicts her grandson, on behalf of the Children's Tumor Foundation. She was recognized by the organization for these efforts.

Funeral services will be held at Bernheim Apter Kreitzman, Livingston, N.J., at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 18. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Simone Lipton's memory to either the Adam Goodkind NF2 Research Fund at The Children's Tumor Foundation (ctf.org) or to United Cerebral Palsy Foundation (ucp.org). If donating to NF2 research, please visit ctf.org/donate and when entering your contact information, please select "Family Fund" and then "Adam Goodkind NF2 Family Fund"