Leona C. Brenner

Leona C. Brenner, beloved mother, stepmother, grandmother, and great–grandmother, lived a life marked by her passion for education, law, and ethics, as well as her deep commitment to her family and community. She was born in Newark, New Jersey on December 12, 1936, to Isadore and Ida Cohen and she died on January 22, 2025, at the age of 88, in Cranford, New Jersey.

She grew up in her grandmother’s multigenerational home, in a loving, supportive family environment, surrounded by her adoring aunts. Every Friday, her grandmother, the matriarch of the family, would prepare Shabbat food for the entire family, who would come to the house each week to pick it up. In this close-knit environment, there were always many people around with whom she could talk and children with whom she could play. This is likely where Lee first learned the importance of being part of the community and taking care of others; her grandmother also once invited a homeless man to live in the basement for months, when it was cold outside.

Lee was a passionate educator, earning a degree in teaching from Montclair College. She began as an English teacher, spending many years inspiring students with her love of literature and the written word. Her thirst for knowledge led her to earn dual PhDs in English and medieval studies from Rutgers University. During this time, she spread her love of teaching by developing a K-12 reading program that was used throughout the country. Furthermore, her interest in law was piqued when she had to defend her reading program and testify before the Supreme Court in what became known as the “Scopes 2” trial. She subsequently completed a law degree from Rutgers, where she served as president of the Law Review. After retiring from teaching, she devoted her legal career to pro bono appellate law, specializing in criminal appeals and advocating for social justice. Lee’s intellectual pursuits did not stop there; she subsequently earned a degree in bioethics from Rutgers University, demonstrating her lifelong commitment to understanding complex ethical issues and worked as a professor at several Florida universities teaching in their lifelong learning programs.

Beyond her professional life, Lee was a tireless philanthropist and community leader. She served on the boards of Metrowest, Daughters of Israel Home for the Aged, and the Women’s League for Einstein College of Medicine. Her leadership in these organizations helped enrich the lives of many, and she will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to service.

Lee is survived by her son, Howard O’Desky, and daughter, Ilyse O'Desky. Howard lives with his wife, Melissa, in San Antonio, TX, and is also survived by his son, Alex, and his wife, Cynthia, who live in San Antonio with their 17-month-old daughter, Alessandra. Ilyse resides with her husband Leonard Garber in Scotch Plains, NJ, and their son, Matthew Garber, lives in Orlando, FL.

Lee is also survived by her step-children, Jeffrey Brenner, Julie Brenner, Gary Brenner, and Grant Brenner. Jeffrey resides in Warren, NJ. Julie lives with her husband, Mark, in Princeton, NJ, and her son, Max, lives in Highland Park, NJ, while her daughter, Emma, lives in Atlanta, GA. Gary lives with his son, Jacob, in Winchester, MA. Grant lives with his wife, Marina, and their children, Cameron and Reyd, in New York City, NY. Lee was predeceased by her beloved husband, Edward Brenner, who died in 2012.

They will all cherish her memory, not only for her impressive accomplishments, but also for her boundless generosity, intellect, and love.

Funeral services for Lee will occur on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at 9 AM at the Bernheim Apter Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, 68 Old Short Hills Rd, Livingston, New Jersey 07039. The family will be receiving friends from 8:15AM to 8:45 AM. The burial will follow at 10:30 AM at Mount Lebanon Cemetery, 189 Gill Ln, Woodbridge, New Jersey 08830.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Jewish Federation of Greater Metrowest NJ, in honor of Lee's lifelong dedication to service.