In Memoriam: Longtime Rumsonite, Pioneer of Monmouth County Library System, Renee ‘Bozzi’ Becker Swartz,91

“Mom, Gigi, Bozzi — you gave ALL of us wings to fly: to be the best we could be; to make the world a better place; that nothing was too hard for us; to love and be dedicated to our families. We love you.” ~ Addie Swartz

Longtime Rumsonite, Renée “Bozzi” Becker Swartz, beloved mother, grandmother, presidential appointee, pioneer of the Monmouth County Library system, and cunning tennis player, passed away peacefully on May 14. She was 91.

Born in Newark to Dr. Sidney and Adeline Becker, Renée graduated as valedictorian of her class at Keyport High School at the age of 16. She matriculated to Barnard College, where she would later go on to serve on its Board of Trustees and as president of the Alumni Association. She received the prestigious Columbia Alumni Medal in 1985 to honor her volunteer service to the university community.

“Renée, affectionately known as Bozzi by her friends and as Gigi by her family, had a deep love of books. As a volunteer, she went on to grow the Monmouth County Library system from its origins as a mobile lending library to an acclaimed network of 13 branches and 14 member libraries. During her 54-year tenure on the Commission, including 44 years as chair, Renée trailblazed her vision of transforming libraries from quiet study halls into inclusive ‘community centers of the 21st century.’

“She held numerous state and national leadership positions, including the appointment by President George H.W. Bush to the Institute of Museum and Library Services Board, and established the New Jersey Center for the Book, which sponsored literary contests for young people across the state. Her contributions were celebrated with the naming of the Renée Becker Swartz Children’s Library in the Shrewsbury library at its 50th anniversary.

“Renée’s pride and joy was the loving family she built with her husband of 65 years, Dr. Harry Mason Swartz. Renee enjoyed gardening, decorating, the ballet and opera. Her favorite days were spent with her children and grandchildren at the Ocean Beach Club.”
Loved ones of Renee’ “Bozzi” Becker Swartz in her obituary

Renee is survived by: her children, Dr. Stephen Swartz and his wife, Annie, of Little Silver, Addie Swartz and her husband, Joel Rosen, of Concord, MA, Dr. Sidney Swartz and his wife, Gloria Garcia, of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; and her grandchildren, Aliza Rosen and her husband, Alex, Chloe Rosen, Eliana, Jordan and Jacob Swartz.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, May 17, at The Rumson Jewish Center at Congregation B’nai Israel, where Renée was a lifelong member. Interment followed at B’nai Israel Cemetery, Tinton Falls. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Renée Becker Swartz Memorial Fund, payable to the Monmouth County Library, at 1001 Route 35, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Woolley Bogioili Funeral Home