Boonton mourns former council member, a 'selfless' champion for preservation, LGBTQ rights

Boonton is in mourning after the death of former Ward 2 Council member Dr. Edina Renfro-Michel.

Known as a passionate advocate for historic preservation, providing recreational space for children and promoting LGBTQ+ rights, Renfro-Michel died Saturday, on her 53rd birthday, after a nine-year battle with breast cancer.

A post on the "Boonton Dems" Facebook page this weekend remembered Renfro-Michel as "our champion" and "MVP."

"We are very lucky to have worked so closely with Edina," the post reads. "She was intelligent, compassionate and led by example, always practiced what she preached. Kind but firm, a true mentor to us and to our community of Boonton."

A public celebration of her life is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 13, at the Boonton United Methodist Church, to be followed immediately by a "joyful gathering" at the Boonton Elks Club, her family said in a statement.

"In keeping with Edina’s exuberant approach to life, we request that attendees wear bright colors rather than black," her family announced. The interment will be private.

Renfro-Michel was an associate professor of counseling at Montclair State University with a doctorate in counselor education and community counseling from Mississippi State University.

Focus on pride, preservation

As a member of Boonton's governing board for the past five years, Renfro-Michel obtained more than $1 million in grants to support projects including the creation of the Boonton Ironworks Historic District and the preservation of other historic landmarks. Enhancing outdoor recreational space in town, including a rebuild of Pepe Park, was another focus.

A groundbreaking will take place soon for efforts to rehabilitate the Arch Bridge in Grace Lord Park, another initiative spearheaded by Renfro-Michel.

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The Boonton Rainbow Pride organization also praised Renfro-Michel as a trailblazing advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in an increasingly diverse town. She was the keynote speaker for the inaugural Boonton Rainbow Pride event in 2021.

"Dr. Renfro-Michel was the key that opened the door to the public celebration of inclusivity and of uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community in Boonton," Boonton Rainbow Pride cofounder Linda Hogoboom wrote in her own Facebook post. "Dr. Renfro-Michel introduced our founding members. Without Edina, there likely wouldn’t have been a Pride event in 2021.

"She will be remembered for so very many accomplishments, logical debate, and actionable plans and ideas to make our town an interactive community," Hogoboom added. "She commanded respect from all that interacted with her. With her vibrant personality and sense of humor that was weaved into her exceptional intelligence, she was a force. And a friend."

'A selfless changemaker'

Her accomplishments also drew praise from U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, who represents Boonton in Congress

“Edina was a model public servant who cared deeply about her community," Sherrill said. "She was a selfless changemaker who knew how to get things done, listen to her constituents, and build a brighter future for Boonton. I got to know Edina during my first campaign as she inspired so many of us to take action where we saw the need for change. I am lucky to have called her a friend. I will miss her dearly.”

Citing a "toxic" political environment on a divided, bipartisan council, and its effects on her declining health, Renfro-Michel resigned her council seat in April.

"This toxic environment is unhealthy for all of us, but it is especially unhealthy for me," she said during the council meeting on April 3. "I have loved serving all the people of Boonton. To current and future council members, I hope you will champion projects like I have that will make Boonton better, and will not continue the toxicity that permeates this council. This is how we will move forward as a town and continue to be a place where people like me will want to raise their families."

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Jake Hettrich, who was appointed to fill her council seat, indicated he would take her advice to heart.

"I know the huge impact she has had on so many people's lives and I hope I can live up to the amazing example she has set before me as a council member," he said.

Ward 2 Council member Marie Devenezia said Renfro-Michel was "my role model and partner on the town council, and a true friend."

"Her optimism, honesty, kindness and compassion set an example that we should aspire to follow," Devenezia said.

Born in New Orleans, Renfro-Michel married Michael Michel in 1997. The couple lived in Louisiana and Mississippi before settling in New Jersey, where they raised their two children, Faith and Ian. She was devoted to her family, volunteering for many organizations including her children’s schools and scouting. She also loved cooking, her garden, and reading.

In addition to her husband and children, she is also survived by her father, Newton Renfro, Jr. and his wife Suzanne, sister Kim Renfro Ledoux and her husband Christopher, and nephews Cody and Justin Ledoux. She was predeceased by her mother, Jeanette.

William Westhoven is a local reporter for DailyRecord.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: wwesthoven@dailyrecord.com 

Twitter: @wwesthoven

This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: Boonton NJ mourns former council member Edina Renfro-Michel