Renee Grace Mayer

MAYER - Renee Grace (nee Miller), attorney, loving wife of 52 years, mother and grandmother, passed away on Friday, March 7th, 2008, at the Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City surrounded by her family. Renee was born in Newark, NJ, to the parents of Harry and Bertha Miller on April 17th, 1933. She grew up in Elizabeth, NJ, and was valedictorian of her Battin High School graduating class. Renee attended The International and Labor Relations School at Cornell University and was graduated with the Class of 1955. She later went on to Hofstra University School of Law, where she served as an editor of The Law Review. As an attorney, Renee had many accomplishments, notably the resolution of disputes during the Air Traffic Controller Crisis. She was President of the Nassau County Women's Bar Association in 1985-86 and President of The Nassau Lawyer's Association of Long Island in 1996-97. She served as a Law Guardian, and was active in local Democratic politics, including serving as a zone leader in Port Washington, NY from 1980 to 1993. She also volunteered as an alumni interviewer for Cornell University. As much as Renee was a zealous advocate for her clients, she was an inspiration and champion for her children, grandchildren, and other friends and family. She is survived by her husband, Joseph C. Mayer, M.D., her four children, Douglas P. Mayer, Esq.; Julie Mayer, Psy.D.; Amy Lazar, M.D. and Andy Mayer, Ph.D., their spouses and 10 grandchildren. Donations may be made in memory of Renee G. Mayer, Esq., to the Children's Defense Fund at www.childrensdefense.org ; Children's Defense Fund, 25 E Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001, 1-800-233-1200