Obituary of Marguerite Lipton Bronster

Marguerite Lipton Bronster died peacefully in her Edgewater home on July 6, 2023 at the age of 80. She was a lifelong learner, who graduated with a nursing degree from Fairleigh Dickinson, and received two master's degrees in human development and social work from Fairleigh Dickinson and Rutgers University respectively. She was a co-owner of Seraphim Gallery in Englewood, NJ and earned an Art and Antique Appraisal Certification through NYU, working throughout the tri-state area as a professional art appraiser. As an artist herself, she actively supported and promoted the arts, serving on numerous councils, including as the Commissioner of the Bergen County Arts Council and President of the Bergen County Medical Society Auxiliary.

With her typical optimism and awareness of others' suffering, at the age of 60, she was inspired to have a greater impact on her community, and returned to graduate school beginning a new career as a therapist and mental health consultant to multiple non-profits, including Paterson Healing Collective and Integrity House. She was grateful and proud of her work as a therapist, helping individuals rebuild their lives without minimizing their challenges.

Born at Margaret Hague Hospital in Jersey City, NJ to Richard Lee Lipton and Rita Lipton (Garofalo), she was the beloved wife of the late Marvin Leon "Lee" Bronster; devoted mother of Robert (Robin), Rebecca, Luke (Nichole) and Laura (Diego); cherished "bonus-mother" to Rande, Margery and Bruce Bronster; adored grandmother of Damon, Rocco, Gabriel, Javier, Anna, Lucas, Julia, Greyson and Vince; loving sister of the Honorable Lois Lipton and Arthur Charles ("Ace") Lipton; predeceased by brother Richard Lee Lipton; proud aunt of Richard "Richie Cunning" Lipton; and predeceased by former husband Robert S. Rigolosi, MD. She had lifelong friends that she loved as her family, and believed in drawing her circle wider, always welcoming and celebrating her family and friends.

To know Marguerite was to love her. With her Irish wit and elegance, she found a way to make a celebration out of every meal she enjoyed with her family and friends. She was friendly and curious to everyone who crossed her path, always erring on the side of grace. Marguerite found a way to make everyone feel seen and special. A world traveler and voracious reader, her most favorite time of day was "l'heure bleue," when the evening light of the water and sky mimicked each other. She was an eternal optimist with an artistic eye who lived a beautiful life, and we ask those who knew her to continue her legacy through kindness, curiosity and compassion toward one another.

Her family will receive friends and loved ones on Monday July 10 from 3:00 - 7:00 PM at the Frank Patti Funeral Home, 327 Main Street, Fort Lee, NJ. The celebration of her funeral mass will be held on Tuesday. July 11 at 10:00AM at the Holy Rosary RCC, 365 Undercliff Ave., Edgewater, NJ. If so desired, donations may be made to "In memory of Marguerite Lipton Bronster" to: The Trustees of Columbia University Attention: Dr Antonio "Tito" Fojo, 161 Fort Washington Ave New York, NY 10032 Attn Dr. Fojo .