Renee Minsky

Renee Michelson Minsky died peacefully at the age of 94 on March 11, 2026, at her home in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. She was surrounded by family and her caregivers Deb Longo and Danielle Megno, who blessed Renee and her family with the loving skilled care that made her last few years safe and happy.

Renee was born July 21, 1931, in Worcester, MA. She was the only child of Goldie and David Michelson. Her early years were filled with literature, art, music and theater. Her father built a theater in their basement, complete with lights and curtains, and the laundry room became the star's dressing room! Many neighborhood productions directed by her mother, led to an acting bug. Renee attended the Bancroft School and spent her summers from age 13 on acting professionally. She was an equity performer and played opposite many of the great actors of that time.

Renee was a graduate of Harvard University and went on to work in publishing as a proofreader. She met Leonard Minsky, the love of her life, and moved to Bangor, Maine, where she lived happily ever after for 65 years. Leonard passed away in 2022, and Renee moved to Fort Walton Beach, FL to be closer to family.

Renee, along with her dear friend Arlene Keith, created a city-wide children's theater program in Bangor that ran for over 30 years. Renee directed the acting and Arlene the music! She delighted when adults came up to her and remembered their time on stage under her direction. Renee also taught French at the Bangor Jewish Community Center's Hebrew Day School. Renee was a literacy volunteer and worked with ESL students.

Renee and Leonard built an active life, always emphasizing giving back. The Leonard and Renee Charitable Foundation contributes to many worthy organizations and supports many educational pursuits through a grant with the Maine Community Foundation. Leonard and Renee have been active donors to many causes and supported civic activities, many of which they have endowed to maintain their support. At the University of Maine ,they have made naming gifts for the Minsky Recital Hall in the Class of 1944 Hall, home of the School of Performing Arts, and the Hudson Museum's Minsky Gallery in the Maine Center for the Arts. The couple created the Minsky Endowment to support the Hudson Museum and contributed to the establishment of the Emerick Endowment Fund for the museum.

Naming gifts were also established at Eastern Maine Medical Center, The Bangor Public Library, and the Maine Community Foundation. The University of Maine became a second home to Leonard and Renee as philanthropists, supporters of the arts, and of course, huge hockey fans. Renee served on the board of The Collins Center and The Hudson Museum, where she was a docent for 15 years. Leonard and Renee led the Patrons of the Arts for over 20 years.

Renee was made an honorary UMO alumna and was recipient of the Champion of Maine Award. She and Leonard were the recipients of both the Vincent Hartgen and Stillwater awards. Renee received the Collins Center for the Arts' Wilma Award for "extraordinary commitment to the Collins Center for the Arts at the University of Maine"

Leonard and Renee were avid travelers and visited 97 countries including two around the world trips. Summer memories were made at their home in Roque Bluffs, Maine. They spent winters on their beloved Sanibel Island, where they were very active with Chavurat Shalom. They were also members of Congregation Beth Israel in Bangor.

Renee is survived by her daughter, Marilyn Melton, and her husband Dennis, granddaughters Dani Minsky and her husband Hatim Azly, and Maya Melton and her partner Austin Reed. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Norman Minsky, and four great grandchildren, Emma, Sara, Josie and Tyler. Renee was an avid reader, loved the New York Times crossword puzzle, and admitted to being a chocoholic. She was devoted to her family, the greatest source of joy in her life. Renee leaves behind a legacy of service and generosity to so many.

Contributions may be made to The Leonard and Renee Minsky Maintenance Fund for the Minsky Recital Hall at the University of Maine. University of Maine Foundation, Two Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, March 16, 2026 at Noon at the home of Dennis and Marilyn. 335 Sudduth Circle, NE. Fort Walton Beach FL.