NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - April 6, 2011) - Ann Loeb Bronfman, a philanthropist and beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away at age 78 on April 5, 2011 at Sibley Hospital in Washington, DC. She was surrounded by her five children. The cause of death was complications from emphysema.
Mrs. Bronfman, the daughter of John L. Loeb, Sr. and Frances Lehman Loeb, was born on September 19, 1932 in New York City. Her father was a leading member of the investment community who served as the head of the Wall Street firm of Loeb, Rhoades & Company, a predecessor of Shearson Lehman/American Express. Her mother, the daughter of Arthur Lehman of the Lehman Brothers banking firm, was New York City's Commissioner for the United Nations and the Consular Corps for 12 years in the 1960's and 70's.
Mrs. Bronfman devoted her life to numerous philanthropic efforts, including funding and directing programs through the Ann L. Bronfman Foundation, which she founded and ran. She supported a range of causes, from education to senior citizens to underserved youth to victims of domestic abuse to the arts, among others. Mrs. Bronfman served as a Trustee of Rosemary Hall and was presented with the school's Alumnae Award in 1999 for "demonstrating outstanding achievement in her given field of endeavor." She was the benefactor of the Ann Loeb Bronfman Gallery at the Washington, DC Jewish Community Center. The gallery offers exhibitions and programs that enhance Jewish identity, examine issues of social importance and develop community. In 2010, Mrs. Bronfman was honored by the Teamwork Foundation for her many years of support. The Bronx, NY-based organization, which includes the world famous New York Gauchos basketball program, provides after-school and summer programs to inner city boys and girls.
"Ann Loeb Bronfman is living proof that greatness is not inherited; it is achieved," wrote JCA Today, a publication of the Jewish Council for the Aging, in 2006. "By refusing to rest on others' laurels, Ann has literally changed the world, adding compassion to an otherwise uncaring place. Her singleness of purpose and generosity of spirit teach us all that we, too, possess the power to change the world if we, like Ann, listen to our hearts."
Mrs. Bronfman graduated from the Rosemary Hall school, then of Greenwich, CT, in 1950 and attended Bennington College in Bennington, VT before marrying her husband, Edgar M. Bronfman, in 1953. Mr. and Mrs. Bronfman were divorced in 1973.
Mrs. Bronfman divided her time between her homes in Washington, DC and Mackinac Island, MI. She was an avid sailor and spent many happy times on her boat.
In addition to her five children, Sam Bronfman of Atherton, CA, Edgar Bronfman, Jr. of Manhattan, Holly Bronfman Lev of Charlottesville, VA, Matthew Bronfman of Westchester, NY and Adam Bronfman of Park City, UT, Mrs. Bronfman is survived by 25 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; a sister, Deborah Brice of London, England; and two brothers, the Honorable John L. Loeb, Jr. and Mrs. Bronfman's twin, Arthur Lehman Loeb, both of Manhattan.
Contact Information:
Contact:
Eric Berman
Kekst and Company
212-521-4894