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Lucie's obituary

Lucie Miriam Prinz, a woman of remarkable intellect, resilience, and warmth, passed away on January 23, 2025, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, at 94. She remained sharp as ever, surrounded by friends and family, and was thankful for her long and fulfilling life.

Born on January 1, 1931, in Berlin, she was the daughter of Joachim Prinz, a prominent rabbi who later became a leader in the American Jewish community and civil rights movement, speaking at the 1963 March on Washington. Her mother, Lucie Prinz (née Horovitz), passed away shortly after childbirth. Her father and Hilde Prinz (née Goldschmidt) raised her.

Her father's work and her experiences in Germany fueled her passion for world affairs, American politics, and justice. A day before her death, she ironically remarked, "The bookends of my life are Germany in the 1930s and America in late January 2025." She remained hopeful for the future, understanding that life is a struggle to be met with optimism.

Lucie's early years nurtured her love for literature and the arts. After graduating from Weequahic High School, she attended the University of Chicago. A voracious reader, she devoured multiple books weekly and loved writing, which shaped her career.

Lucie managed a bookstore in University City, Missouri, then moved into public relations and moved to New York City, where she worked for Planned Parenthood and Doubleday. Eventually, she settled in Cambridge and joined The Atlantic Monthly. She also freelanced as an editor and writer on countless projects and contributed reviews for the Book of the Month Club. Her literary insight and dedication left a lasting impression on her colleagues.

In addition to her professional accomplishments and love of reading, she profoundly appreciated music, art, and cooking. She also cherished time spent with friends, and at dinner parties and various book clubs, she led spirited discussions about every topic.

Lucie's family meant the world to her. She is survived by her daughter, Tamar Berkowitz, of Rosh Pina, Israel; her son, Barak Berkowitz, of Palo Alto, CA; her brother, Jonathan J. Prinz, of Chapel Hill, NC; and her sister, Deborah M. Prinz, of South Orange, NJ. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard T. Edelman; her sister, Jo Seelman; and her brother, Michael Prinz.

Those who knew Lucie would remember her intelligence, strong will, and self-sufficiency, which defined her life. Notably, she found positivity even in adversity. For Lucie, the best place was wherever she was, a philosophy that guided her with grace and optimism. She was a loyal friend and a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose presence will be missed but never forgotten.

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Lucie Prinz