Selma Rubin

Selma Rubin (Shustin), 94, of Metuchen, an acting commissioner of human services to three NJ governors, died May 1, 2016. Born in Brooklyn, she grew up in Morristown. 

As a lifelong Democrat and local councilwoman, Mrs. Rubin had attended several Democratic conventions and became Ann Klein’s closest supporter in her run for NJ governor. When Klein lost to Gov. Brendan Byrne and was made the state’s commissioner of human services, she hired Rubin as deputy commissioner. Following Klein’s death in office, Rubin was made acting commissioner of human services, serving under three governors — Byrne and Republicans Thomas Kean and Christine Todd Whitman. 

A child prodigy, she graduated from Morristown High School at age 13. She attended St. Elizabeth’s College and then studied pre-med at University of Michigan, leaving school to marry her husband.

She also had worked as a volunteer bookkeeper for the Morristown Jewish Community Center, and helped her parents run hotels, including Shustin’s Bon Air Lodge in Lake Hopatcong. 

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

Predeceased by her husband, Sidney, in 1992, she is survived by two daughters, Diane (Jim) Handlin of Edison and Barbara (Michael) Carr of San Diego; a brother, Stanley Shustin of Hopatcong; five grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. 

Services were held May 4 with arrangements by Menorah Chapels at Millburn, Union. Memorial contributions may be made in Kamina Handlin’s name to Midland Adult Services Work Center, 94 Readington Rd., PO Box 5026, North Branchburg, NJ 08876.