Felice Schrager

Felice M. Schrager (Bruckner) of Highland Park died April 9, 2020. Born in Vienna, she was 14 when she came to New York City in 1939 with her mother to escape the Nazis. Her father was killed in the Holocaust.

Upon arrival, she lived in Manhattan’s Washington Heights and, because she did not speak English, was initially placed into fourth grade. She quickly excelled to her correct level and graduated high school in three years as the salutatorian.

In 1944, she met and married Louis (Lou) Schrager, also from Vienna, and they moved to New Brunswick in 1950. She worked as the right-hand person to Henry Peterson, owner of Feature Ring Company in New York City, until she had her first child. In the mid-60s, Mrs. Schrager returned to school at Douglass College to pursue a B.A. in political science; she graduated Phi Beta Kappa. She continued on at Rutgers for her master’s degree with a focus on American government, which she obtained in the early 70s. She taught as an adjunct professor at Middlesex County College for several years and then went on to start her own travel business.

She was active in many organizations for much of her life, including the League of Women Voters, the Zimmerli Museum, Rutgers University’s Bildner Center for the Study of Jewish Life, J Street, and Rutgers’ Women’s League, where she served as second vice president for some 20 years. She held the distinction as a Lion of Judah for her significant contributions to the Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ.

Get New Jersey Jewish News's Newsletter by email and never miss our top stories Free Sign Up

She and her husband were active members at Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple in New Brunswick for more than 50 years and were founders of adult continuing education, the Torah study group, and many other programs. She also helped fundraise for the temple to expand its building.

A long-time bridge player, she became a life master in the American Contract Bridge League at age 93. She and her husband were avid world travelers.

Predeceased by her husband in 1994, and her companion, Maury Seisler, in 2017, she is survived by her son, Larry Schrager (Rosella Sabatini) of Highland Park; her daughter, Victoria Schrager (partner Joshua Wanderer) of Fair Lawn; and a grandson.

Memorial contributions may be made to J Street, League of Women Voters, Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ, Zimmerli Museum, or Women’s League of Rutgers University.