Renee Holt Bigler passed peacefully on October 10, in Vero Beach, FL, surrounded by her children. She was born in July of 1930 in Forest Hills, NY, to Renee and Captain George Holt. She is survived by her loving daughter, Justine Buck (Jim); her son, George Brown (Ann); her sister, Margaret (Gay) Seuss; and her beloved four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband of forty-four years, the absolute love of her life, Edward M. Bigler; her sons, Kyle Barclay Brown and Matthew (Tam) Barclay Brown III; and her sister, Diane Holt.
As a first-generation American, Renee led a full and eventful life. As a child, she began a long history of traveling the world, first with her parents and later with her beloved husband, Edward, or “Big Ed” as he was fondly known.
As a teenager, after the death of her mother, she entered the Kenwood Convent of the Sacred Heart School in Albany, NY, where she formed deep friendships that lasted her lifetime. Decades later, she was presented the “Outstanding Alumna Award” by Convent Sacred Heart for her contributions to her community.
After graduation, Renee debuted at the Waldorf Astoria in New York. One of her escorts was Matthew Barclay Brown, Jr., whom she later married and is the father of her four children.
First and foremost, Renee loved being a mother. Being a grandmother and later a great-grandmother was her greatest joy. She loved dogs, too, and found great pleasure in having puppies and children running through her household.
She loved her friends and her friends loved her. Entertaining, traveling and being a hostess all came naturally to her.
Renee enjoyed her homes in Greenwich and Vero Beach; and used her innate decorating sense to mix traditional with contemporary. She was active in gardening clubs wherever she lived… whether it be roses, perennials or unique horticultural specimens, they all thrived under her green thumb.
During her lifetime, she received numerous awards, bearing the common theme of service above self. She was a former member of the Junior League of Greenwich and Green Fingers Garden Club. She was a founding member of Gateway Communities in Stamford, CT.
In 1981, as a champion for the rights and protection of people who suffered from mental illness, she was a leading force in starting Pathways Inc., a halfway house in Greenwich, CT. Proudly, Pathways Inc. now numbers four halfway houses offering hope, friendship and new beginnings for those who once despaired of lives without futures.
Funeral services will be held at Putnam Cemetery in Greenwich. Following the funeral, Renee’s friends are invited to join her family from 2-4pm on October 28 in the Celebration of Her Life at the Field Club, 276 Lake Avenue, in Greenwich.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Renee’s memory to Pathways Inc., 175 Milbank Ave., Greenwich, CT. 06830 (pways.org).
