LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Renee Brilliant, M.D.,
distinguished citizen, humanitarian and devoted member of her community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Renee Brilliant of Rockland County, New York died on April
11, 2016, at the age of 90; and
WHEREAS, Born in 1925 in Brooklyn, New York, Renee Brilliant grew up
on a chicken farm in New Jersey and graduated from Bound Brook High
School; she went on to graduate cum laude from New York University with
a Bachelor's degree in math, and received a Master's degree in geophy-
sics from Columbia University; and
WHEREAS, While a graduate student at Columbia University, Renee Bril-
liant met her future husband, William Donn; the couple married in 1960,
and settled in Grand View-on-Hudson, where she lived since 1964; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed woman distinguished herself in her profession
and by her sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of her community; and
WHEREAS, Renee Brilliant later received her Medical degree from New
York University, and practiced pediatrics with a specialty in hematolo-
gy, first in Grand View and later at Clarkstown Pediatrics; in addition,
she devoted nearly two decades lending her medical skills to humanitari-
an work in Kenya; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Renee Brilliant was an active member
of the Nanuet-West Nyack Rotary Club and of the Rockland County branch
of the American Association of University Women (AAUW); she received a
Woman of Achievement Award from AAUW for her outstanding role as a
pediatrician and humanitarian; and
WHEREAS, In her post-retirement years, Renee Brilliant also obtained
her private pilot license and enjoyed flying to New England for lobster;
and
WHEREAS, Renee Brilliant was truly a person of great inspiration,
intelligence and modesty; she cared passionately about her family, and
was universally respected and deeply loved; she is survived by her son,
Matthew, and daughter, Tara; and
WHEREAS, Renee Brilliant's commitment to excellence, and her spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Renee Brilliant leaves
behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will
remain as a comforting memory to all she served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Renee Brilliant, M.D., distinguished citizen, humani-
tarian and devoted member of her community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Renee Brilliant.