Rena Carol Strauch

We have lost our darling Rena, our family matriarch. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Rena passed away peacefully at home at 89, just a few months shy of her 90th birthday. Cherished wife of Berish “Bob” for 68 years, adored mother of Robert (Laura) and Laurie (David), and grandmother to David, Kimberly (Philip), Carolyn (Gabriel), Alexandra, Matthew, Julia and Jason. Beloved sister to Joseph and Marjorie, Bernard and Missy, Arnold and Chaya, Harvey and Audrey, and Andrew and Ellen.

Arriving on February 21, 1934, Rena grew up on the corner of Norfolk and Rivington as the only daughter to Rae and Emil Feuerstein, and a welcome addition to her 3 older and 2 younger brothers. Rena’s stories of growing up on the Lower East side with her beautiful family were so vivid that you could almost taste the challah and chicken soup her mother made every Shabbat, and picture her brothers running downstairs to work at their dad’s shoe store (Manny’s).

Rena was a voracious learner and had a lifelong passion for Judaism. She was determined to go to the top Hebrew School, and she enthusiastically skipped her way down to Down Town Talmud Torah every week. Rena was also a skilled piano player and avid musician, and, upon discovering the legendary High School of Music and Art, she knew she had to find a way to attend. She researched how to apply, commuted uptown on her own for an audition, and was thrilled to be accepted. Once there, she wanted to ensure that her two younger brothers would get to have the same wonderful experience and convinced them to attend. In 1955, she graduated from Barnard College, where her studies also included multiple classes at the Jewish Theological Seminary, and she subsequently earned her Master of Arts from Teachers College, Columbia University. Among her many lifelong accomplishments, Rena was also a pioneer in creating the egalitarian alternative services at Beth El Synagogue Center of New Rochelle, NY, where she proudly chanted from the Book of Ruth. Additionally, Rena served as president of Beth El’s sisterhood, taught Hebrew for many years, and led a Hebrew book club.

Just like her parents, Rena and Bob had a love affair for the ages. They met in their freshman year at Barnard/Columbia University, got pinned in sophomore year, engaged in junior year, and married right after their college graduation. While Bob attended medical school, Rena provided financial support through her teaching career. She was the most dedicated and caring first grade teacher in Harlem, staying after school to make sure that every student reached their reading grade level. One time, when a student was concerned about her mother undergoing surgery, Rena stopped her class to call Bob, a medical student at the time, and was able to provide her student with an update on her mother’s condition.

Rena provided unwavering support in every way for Bob as he pursued his medical career, and was akin to his chief of staff when he became chairman of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Montefiore Medical Center, single-handedly planning the social agendas and details for major U.S. and international medical conferences. She was a constant presence at Bob’s side throughout and an incredible asset to him, never failing to remember the names of Bob’s colleagues, their spouses, and their children. On the rare occasion Bob would attend an event on his own, everyone would ask: “Where is Rena?”

Throughout the years, Rena was the driving force behind keeping the family traditions and sharing beloved stories. Her memory was crystal clear until the end, and she always relished recounting the fine details of all the important events. She and Bob hosted annual Thanksgivings, Passovers, and Hanukkahs for as many as 80 family members with joy and nachas. Rena’s “holiday announcements” at these parties of everyone’s achievements delivered to the assembled family were legendary. Nothing made her happier than providing delicious potage and speaking to family, friends, and loved ones. She imparted wisdom and warmth to all who knew her, and her shining optimism was infectious. Rena was truly an Eishet Chayil, and we will love her always.

Memorial services will be held at Beth El Synagogue Center, 1324 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 2, 2023.