Dr. Ronni Schuman Brown lived a beautiful life filled with the love and gratitude of her family, particularly her devoted and deeply-loved sons, Ross Brown (Andreza and daughter, Kindelly), Jordan Brown (Kelli and children, Kayla and Isaac) and Jeremy Brown; her beloved partner and love of her life, Leon Silverberg; two extraordinarily close sisters, Cinthia Schuman Ottinger and Diana London, and their partners, Larry Ottinger and Alan Welner, who also cherished Ronni. Grandchildren Kayla and Isaac brought boundless happiness to Ronni, as did her adoring nieces and nephews, Danny Wortel London, Annie Rose London, Jacob Ottinger, Celia Ottinger, Stephanie Wortel London and Luke Burt. Leon’s treasured children, Sarah Jornsay-Silverberg and Julia Jornsay-Silverberg, who also loved Ronni dearly.
Ronni Brown’s values were shaped by her parents, Dr. Jack Schuman and Gladys (Greenberg) Schuman. Jack and Gladys exhibited kindness, humility, empathy, and a never-ending love of learning as they raised Ronni in New York City and Jericho, NY. Both classical musicians, Ronni’s parents also passed down a love of the arts, and for Ronni, that meant a passion for going to the theater, museums and more. Ronni also loved traveling, and did so extensively with her family, Leon and close friends.
For over four decades, Ronni was a talented educator, whose decisions were guided by one question: what is in the best interests of children? Having begun teaching in the Bronx, Ronni received a doctorate in educational administration from Columbia University’s Teacher’s College and a B.A. in political science from the University of Wisconsin. Following the completion of her doctorate, Dr. Ronni Brown was hired as one of the youngest principals in the Darien, CT Public Schools and later served as a principal in Briarcliff Manor, NY. After moving to New Jersey, Ronni ran for public office, working tirelessly for almost ten years as a member of the Millburn Township Board of Education, where she shaped curriculum and contributed her level-headed experience on matters affecting students, teachers and the community at large. Later, Ronni found much joy in her work at the Toussaint Louverture School, in East Orange, where she served as an indispensable right hand to principals.
But the central focus of Ronni’s life were her children, grandchildren, sisters, family, Leon, Leon’s children and a large, wonderful, extraordinary circle of friends, many of whom considered Ronni to be their “best” friend. The word “generous” does not begin to describe the kind, non-judgmental, and giving nature of Ronni Brown. For her friends and family, this was her essential quality. Ronni knew when to simply listen, and she knew when to share her wise thoughts. And that counsel always sprang from her never-ending common sense, her loving kindness, and her accepting and thoughtful reflections. Ronni Brown will be forever missed.
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