Dr. Edina Renfro-Michel Death – Former Ward 2 Council member Dr. Edina Renfro-Michel has passed away. Dr. Edina Renfro-Michel was announced dead on Saturday. She died after a nine-year battle with breast cancer. Dr. Renfro-Michel was 53 years old at the time of her passing. She was known as a fervent advocate for historic preservation, providing recreational space for children, and advocating LGBTQ+ rights.
This past weekend, a post was made on the Facebook page for the “Boonton Dems” that recalled Renfro-Michel and referred to him as “our champion” and “MVP.”According to the article, “We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have worked with Edina on such a close level.” “She was a wise and compassionate person who always set a good example for others by doing what she said she believed in.” A true mentor to us and the town of Boonton, he is kind while maintaining his authority.
According to a statement released by her family, a memorial service honoring her life will be held in public at the Boonton United Methodist Church at three o’clock in the afternoon on Sunday, August 13. This will be immediately followed by a “joyous gathering” at the Boonton Elks Club.” In keeping with Edina’s exuberant approach to life, we request that attendees wear bright colors rather than black,” her family announced. “Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.” The burial will be carried out in secret.
Renfro-Michel held a doctorate in counselor education and community counseling from Mississippi State University. He worked as an associate professor of counseling at Montclair State University. Renfro-Michel has been a member of the governing board of Boonton for the past five years. During that time, he has been successful in acquiring funds totaling more than one million dollars to assist various projects, such as the establishment of the Boonton Ironworks Historic District and the preservation of other historic landmarks.
An additional focus was placed on the reconstruction of Pepe Park and the enhancement of the town’s existing outdoor recreational area.Renfro-Michel is the driving force behind a number of different projects, one of which being the rehabilitation of the Arch Bridge in Grace Lord Park, and shortly there will be a groundbreaking for this project.Renfro-Michel was singled out for appreciation by the Boonton Rainbow Pride organization for being a pioneering advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in a town that is becoming increasingly diverse. She was the featured speaker at the Boonton Rainbow Pride festival that took place for the first time in 2021.
