Obituary of Felice J. Harris

Felice J. Harris (Bergman) Felice was a lifelong resident of Rochester, passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2015 at The Friendly Home, Rochester, New York. She was 86. One of three children of Hermann and Bella Bergman, Felice graduated from Monroe High School in 1946. In 1949, she married Leonard Harris, a World War II veteran and Cornell University graduate who went on to achieve prominence in the Rochester business community. Felice earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rochester. An outstanding student, she graduated with high distinction and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Later she earned a master’s degree in education, also from the University of Rochester. Felice pursued a career in teaching and educational administration. As a young adult she worked in the administrative offices of the Eastman School of Music. Later she taught in the Rochester inner city elementary schools and the Hillel Jewish Day School, and she was learning resource center teacher at Brighton High School. She went on to become administrative assistant to the superintendent of the Brighton School District and then director of personnel for the district. She retired in 1985. Active in the Greater Rochester Section of the National Council of Jewish Women, Felice served as a board member and was recognized as Woman of the Year for her many contributions to the organization. She also was a board member of Alternatives for Battered Women. Known for her beauty, sense of humor, and gentle, independent spirit, Felice was a lover and supporter of theater, music, and lectures. An avid reader, she was constantly learning and enjoyed sharing knowledge with others. .Felice was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years and by her sister, Sophie Gastel. She is survived by her brother, Richard Bergman; her sons, Dean Harris (Deborah Harris) and Craig Harris (Candy Kuehn); her grandchildren, David Harris, Devon Harris, Maya Harris, and Lea Harris; several nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and longtime friends. Funeral services will be held at Temple Beth David located at 3200 St. Paul Boulevard in Rochester, on WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2015 at 11 AM. Click here for a map to the Temple. Burial will follow at Britton Road Cemetery. Visitation will take place at Temple Beth David on Wednesday from 2 - 6 PM. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Alternatives for Battered Women or Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. To leave a message of condolence, please visit: Home Pittsford Birthplace Rochester