Remembering Westbury's Keeper of History

Historical Society Recalls the Life and Contributions of Jean Renison

By Andrea Morale

Westbury residents gathered to honor the memory of the beloved late village historian, Jean Renison, during a tribute program hosted by The Historical Society of the Westburys at the Westbury Library on Sunday, April 22.

Shown at the program honoring the memory of Jean Renison are: James Finn, board member of the historical society, Reverend James Stachacz of St. Brigid Church, Rosemary Reder, board member of the historical society, Westbury Village Trustee Paul Echausse, Carl Lindstrom, and M. Jean Munro, board member. Photo by Al Posillico

During the well-attended program, friends and colleagues of Jean recalled the life and contributions of the highly esteemed community member, who was killed in a hit-and-run automobile accident on Post Avenue in February. Rosemary Reder, a member of the board of directors of the historical society, served as the program's moderator. "We are paying tribute to someone that we really, truly loved," said Reder. "Unfortunately, she was taken from us in a very tragic manner, and we're all suffering, and we wish to pay tribute to this."

Renison, who was 80 years old at the time of her death, was a long-time Westbury resident who was revered as a steward of the community's local history. She was not only respected for her vast knowledge of the area, but also often called upon for assistance by community residents, as she served as curator of the historical society's archives at the Westbury Library.

Renison, a retired elementary school teacher with the Freeport School District, lived in Westbury for most of her life. She was a parishioner at St. Brigid's Roman Catholic Church, Westbury. Renison graduated from Westbury High School and the State University of New York at New Paltz, and received a master's degree from New York University. She was also a Navy veteran of World War II, through WAVE, a program in which women served in non-combat military operations. She was an officer in that program.

In addition to being curator of the historical society's archive collection, housed in the Robert Ernst Cottage at the library, Renison was a founding member of the society. She was also on the board of directors of the historical society and a Eucharistic minister at St. Brigid's Roman Catholic Church, Westbury.

Several members of the historical society were on hand to share their memories of Jean at Sunday's program. Other community members in attendance included Westbury Village Trustees Paul Echausse and Joan Boes, Jean's brother, Jack, as well as Reverend James Stachacz of St. Brigid Church.