Ren Henerlau1926 - 2001 Ren Henerlau was a woman who lived her life very deliberately. Born in 1926, she was of an era when women were expected to get married and rely on their husbands for their financial well being. Fiercely independent, Ren not only never married, but also lived her entire adult life solely on money she herself earned, and she was both prudent and adept at managing her finances. She worked hard for her money—as a systems analyst at Wells Fargo—and she made her money work. Extremely well loved for her warmth, sophisticated wit, and vital spirit, Ren was a role model to her friends and family. Her lifelong love of learning led her to take courses every year at African and Asian art. Her iconoclastic lifestyle included dedicated support of numerous progressive political causes, including free speech, abortion rights and opposition to the death penalty. A self-described “radical feminist,” she was committed to women’s and lesbians’ rights. This commitment ultimately translated into the action of bequeathing significant contributions to numerous women-oriented organizations, including, among others, The Global Fund for Women, Ren was a woman of courage, conviction, and generosity. The generous gift she made to the Women’s Building expresses her belief in the power of women and her commitment to keeping this valuable resource strong. With all our hearts, we thank you, Ren.
Honored by Gretchen Leavitt |
