Obituary of Renee L. Borstad

Renee Lita Borstad, (nee Lieberson), AKA the "Hat Lady", 87 yrs. old, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2019, surrounded by her family. Preceded by her loving husband, Orville M. Borstad and her son, Wayne B. Borstad. She is survived by: Daughter, Rochelle A. Valenti, (nee Borstad), grandson, Jarod Valenti; Son, Clyde A. Borstad, Daughter-in-law, Cathy Borstad, (nee Donnelly), grandson, Justin Borstad, grand-daughters Alicia and Megan Borstad; Daughter-in-law, Mary Lou J. Borstad, (nee Russo), grandson, Martin Borstad, granddaughter, Rosalie Borstad.

Renee was born and raised in Cambria Heights, NY. Daughter of the late Henry & Rosalie A. Lieberson.Was a member of the U.S. Air Force, where she met Orville M. Borstad, fell in love, and the rest is history. After two weeks of dating, they married! A marriage that lasted 45 years until she lost Orville in 2001. Rochelle, Clyde and Wayne were born on U.S. AF bases. The last base the family resided was in Naha, Okinawa at Kadena AF base. They settled down in Willingboro, NJ, in 1961, where they raised their family, and, where Renee resided for 58 years.

Renee taught the Art of Asian Cuisine from her own kitchen. Selling Tupperware became a source of extra income for the family. Renee made clothes, packed lunches and made meals every night. As a wonderful cook, there are stories as to how many ways she could incorporate liver into the family meals so that her kids would be healthy... her kids can laugh about those attempts now! She loved entertaining and was an incredible host. Along with entertaining, an avid Mahjong player for many years. Obviously, where she picked up strategic thinking and the art of persuasion. As an actress/singer in Community Theatre, she mastered her magnificent voice projection; her confidence never faltered when she had a verbal message to convey.

Very active in their community, Renee, Orville and family, were members of the former temples, Beth Torah and Emanu-El in Willingboro. Renee was the representative for the Jewish Community Relations Council. Renee has held the board title of Vice President of Planning and Legislative Affairs for United Way of Burlington County. An active member in the Beverly and Willingboro Rotary, as well. The Boy Scouts of America held a dear place in her heart. Not only two sons and a grandson that achieved Eagle, but, Renee was the FIRST female Council President on the Burlington County Council of Boy Scouts of America, and a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award, a well-deserved honor for such an outstanding woman.

Renee earned her Associates of Arts in Business Administration with Honors from Burlington County College while her youngest entered high school. She continued to earn another Associates degree in Applied Science, in Paralegal Technology with Honors, also, from BCC. Renee was the first inductee into BCC's Alumni Hall of Fame. She and Orville, together, pursued their undergraduate degrees at Thomas Edison State University, where Renee earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Paralegal Technology. Renee worked as a paralegal before applying for the Consumer Affairs position at the county. She became the Director of Consumer Affairs of Burlington County in 1978, a position she held for 35 years. In addition, she was the only woman ever to hold the title of Superintendent of Weights and Measures for Burlington County in the state of New Jersey. She was an active member of the National Association of Weights & Measures, as well as, the National Association of Consumer Affairs Administrators and the Legislative Liaison of the Statewide Association for Consumer Affairs Directors. Known for her unique collection of hats, (while on the job), Renee became known as the "Hat Lady" by the consumers. As a favorite speaker to numerous civic organizations and citizens groups, she provided them and their members with some sound, and often colorful advice on avoiding fraud and making wise choices in the marketplace. The ultimate consumer advocate. She helped hundreds of consumers. Renee could, frequently, be heard on radio and television with Jim Donovan and Nydia Han. Additionally, she was popular on the newspaper circuit, writing her weekly article, "Dollars & Sense", for the Burlington County Times and the Tack Rag.

A fashionista before her time! Hats became her trademark- her eyelashes, iconic! Renee was a success in branding, before branding was popular. To shop with the "Hat Lady" was like shopping with a famous star, and, to the consumer she was, indeed, a star! To her family, she was Mom and to her grandchildren she was Mom mom, also, a star, but famous for her love and devotion to her family. She led by example. Dedication, hard work, effort and commitment in pursuing a full life, an inspiration to all. An outstanding grandmother to six grandchildren. Renee demonstrated, throughout her life, how to do it all; family, work, play, and how to pay it forward. She was not shy in voicing her opinion. Whether she was running for assembly - (and, she did do that!), or attending a family function, her honesty, integrity and bold character would shine through loud and clear.

Often described as a "true friend", "loyal", "feisty", "a dynamic force to be reckoned with", Renee fought for the people. The epitome of strength & loyalty. A no excuses type of attitude! If you asked her how she was doing, her reply would be, "Not bad for an old lady". If you were to ask her what her biggest achievement was, her reply would be "My family, of course". The world will have one less pioneer, one less consumer advocate, one less hell-raiser and one less Mom mom. She will be missed dearly by her loving family and friends, beyond words. Our hearts are deeply broken, yet filled with infinite gratitude for our memories. We love you Mom.

Interment will be held at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, February 5, 2019, at the Beverly National Cemetery, Beverly, NJ. Relatives and friends, please meet directly at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to:

Thomas Edison State University Foundation
Renee Borstad Scholarship Fund
111 West State Street
Trenton, NJ 08608