Anita Grien Medwin

Born Anita Fay Rosenberg in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on January 4, 1931, “Nini” was a force of nature. The youngest of five siblings, Nini lost her father, Samuel Rosenberg, early in life and was raised by her mother, Bessie, and her adoring older sisters, Vivian, Flossie and Nettie. Her beloved brother, Carl, was killed while volunteering as a merchant mariner in a convoy supplying Britain that was sunk by a German U-boat in the lead-up to WWII.

Nini attended City College in the late 1940’s and, soon thereafter, met her first husband Alfred Grien (of blessed memory). They parented two sons, James Stephen Grien and Robert Carl Grien.

In the 1960’s, Nini was the embodiment of a liberated, modern woman. She was a remarkably caring mother to her two boys in Great Neck, New York while also devoting inordinate amounts of time to civic and political pursuits, including an impactful term as President of Women’s American ORT. She was also an activist for many other causes dear to her heart. At the same time, Nini was cultivating her love of the visual arts, a passion that would prove to be the cornerstone of a remarkable career.

Newly single in the early 1970’s and never content sitting still, Nini followed her passion and set out to build a business representing commercial illustrators and photographers, which brought her to her home of nearly 50 years in the Murray Hill section of Manhattan. Today’s commercial world – including advertising and media - is dominated by computer generated digital imagery. In the 20th and early 21st centuries, print media created constant demand for bespoke graphic content, and the stable of artists within Anita Grien Representing Artists produced many of the iconic images of the era, including numerous historic Time Magazine cover illustrations.

At the same time, Anita was much more than a business partner to her artists. She was a mother, friend, confidante, financial advisor and all-around support system for several generations of artists, and she was beloved by her colleagues and revered throughout the creative commercial art world. Remarkably, Nini was still toting portfolio bags around Manhattan into her 80’s.

Nini was a strikingly beautiful woman who never lacked for suitors during her single years in New York City. In the mid-1970’s, she met the man who would define the rest of her life. Julius “Julie” Medwin was a successful businessman, talented sculptor, father to three teenage daughters – Kathe, Elisa and Deborah – and was as smitten with Nini at first sight as she was with him.

They married in 1980 and were inseparable soulmates in every sense of the word until Julie’s passing in 2019. They shared passions for food (Nini was a world class chef), theatre, opera, ballet, music, art, reading, lifelong learning (they may have kept the New School in business!), and their beloved “house in the country” in Warwick, New York (which they called “Peacewick”).

As a couple, their families merged into one loving unit – Nini’s boys become Julie’s sons, and his girls became Nini’s daughters.

Following Julie’s passing, Anita moved to Atlanta to be closer to Jim and Lauren, along with six of her grand and great grandchildren.

For the last six years, Lauren has been Anita’s care “quarterback” and has moved mountains to assure that her days have been full of joy, family and great food. Nini is survived by her children Jim and Lauren Grien, Rob and Heather Grien, Kathe Medwin and Traci Wyse, Deborah Medwin, David Lanes, ten grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and a legion of adoring nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, Julie, her daughter, Elisa Medwin Lanes, her three sisters, one brother and parents.

The personification of a life well lived, Nini departs our world leaving a legacy embodied in generations of children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews who adored her, were profoundly influenced by her and will carry her memory forward for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Anita’s name to your favorite arts organization or to Weinstein Hospice in Atlanta.

A special note of thanks to Nini’s caregivers for over four years, Michelle Farley and Rosemary Willis. You are remarkable for your tender care and unfailing dedication.

The Funeral Service will be held at The Sanctuary of Abraham & Sarah in Cedar Park and Beth El Cemeteries, 735 Forest Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652, US, on April 27, 2026, at 1:15 pm.

The Committal Service will be held at Cedar Park Cemetery 735 Forest Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652, US, on April 27, 2026.