Lois Bronz, 1st African-American Elected County Legislator, Dies

TARRYTOWN, NY — Former Westchester County Legislator Lois Bronz has died. In a prepared statement, state Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, D-35th District, said she was saddened by the passing of her friend and mentor.

“As the first African-American and the first woman elected chair of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, she was a pioneer, trailblazer and role model for people throughout the county,” Stewart-Cousins said.

Bronz was a tireless volunteer philanthropist and activist, Stewart-Cousins said, and she championed many important causes and served her community well.

“I am honored to have had the privilege to know and work with a woman of such outstanding character,” she said. “I send my condolences and best wishes to her friends and family.”

Bronz worked in education for 32 years and was elected to the Greenburgh Town Council in 1976.

In 1994, she became the first black woman to be elected to a county legislator, and she led the board in 2002.

County Executive George Latimer said that “Westchester lost a true friend in Lois Bronz.”

“Having served with her during my time at the Board of Legislators, I saw first-hand just what kind of impact Lois had on Westchester,” he said.

“Our time serving together resulted in meaningful legislation that changed the course of the county for the better, most notably the creation of the Westchester County Human Rights Commission,” Latimer said.

“She fought for civil rights, women’s rights and human rights,” he said. “Lois leaves behind a legacy of commitment to the people of Westchester.”

In 2006, the Union Child Day Care Center, which was established in 1966, was renamed in honor of Bronz, who had been a major supporter and fundraiser for the center for years.

The Lois Bronz Children’s Center is located in the Town of Greenburgh.

No services for Bronz have been announced at the time of publication.

Photo caption: Lois Bronz, seated. Photo credit: Courtesy.