At Princeton she majored in art and archaeology and wrote her senior thesis on “French Pottery and Porcelain.” She earned a law degree at Fordham University. 

Serene was an attorney who worked for the federal government for more than 30 years, serving in many capacities. Her last years were spent working as a general attorney at the U.S. Trustee Program in New York City. Her colleagues remember her for her friendliness and bright personality, as well as her love of eating the varied foods available in New York — from goat roti to stewed honeycomb tripe. All of them commented with respect on her abilities and professionalism. 

Serene is survived by her husband, Russell Bixler.