JUDITH BRESLER Obituary

BRESLER--Judith. Judith Bresler passed peacefully at New York Presbyterian Hospital on May 21, 2020, following a valiant battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. The distinguished lecturer and prominent art law attorney delighted in playing the piano, and flourished in her innate gift for language; writing poetry, mastering her boggle skills, and eventually becoming co-author of the leading treatise on Art Law, referred to by Forbes as the "bible of the industry." Unapologetically opinionated, yet remarkably caring with impeccable etiquette, Judith loved a debate; her cunning and joie de vivre made her a gift to both her friends at book clubs and dinner parties, and to her colleagues, clients, and students throughout her inspiring career. While of counsel to the law firm WithersWorldWide, she taught Art Law at New York Law School for 25 years, where her pupils often called her "too tough," before seeking out her mentorship, and lectured as an adjunct faculty member of the University of Pennsylvania Law School (where she attended undergraduate university). Dedicated to and respected in her chosen field, further ample professional contributions include: serving as General Counsel to the Appraisers Association of America; on the Board of Trustees of New York Law School, and the Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts; as Chair of the Art Law Committee, and Chair of the Entertainment, Art and Sports Law Section of the New York State Bar Association, plus publishing extensively on all aspects of the art market. Never one to shy away from a new pursuit, Judith drew on her experiences, and wrote a screenplay about life in the art world. A creative at heart - unsentimental, but playful and romantic - she loved the water, horror films, whimsical accent furniture, life and her family. She was admired and adored by her daughters Alexandra Lee and Elinor Drue, and cherished by her husband of 40 years, Ralph Lerner. Judith was the lifeforce of her family; unrelenting in her belief in those she loved, she was always there with a sensitive ear, bold encouragement, sound solutions, and a radiant smile. Determined and seemingly unshakable, the embodiment of tenacity and grace through the very end -- hers is a legacy that will live in our hearts eternally.

Published by New York Times on May 27, 2020.
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I was heartbroken last night to read in the Gazette, Penn's alumni magazine, of Judith's passing. Judy, as I called her, was my best friend in college ; we shared an apartment our senior year and had many wonderful times together. Judy and I called ourselves "The Gemini Twins." We knew what the other was thinking without speaking. It came in very handy when we were studying in the library.

I cannot say I am amazed at Judy's numerous accomplishments. She was an extraordinary person. I was very fortunate to have such a friend in my college years. I am sorry we lost touch when she moved to New York but I have thought about her many times, including June 16th this year.

My deepest sympathies to Judy's family.

Diane Fien

Friend

September 22, 2020

Our heartfelt sympathy extended from our family to yours. I have beautiful memories of Judith, the parties at your home and the play dates our girls had in Scarsdale. Love, Jayne Asher

Jayne Asher

Friend

May 30, 2020

It is with great sadness that we learned of Judiths passing, our friend and colleague. For many years, Judith was General Counsel for the Appraisers Association sharing her wisdom, and providing us with guidance to forward our mission. We extend our sincerest condolences to her husband Ralph Lerner and her daughters Alexandra Lee and Elinor Drue. We will miss her dearly.

Linda Selvin, Appraisers Association of America

Friend

May 27, 2020

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