Elfriede G Schlesinger

Elfriede (Elfi) Galanter Schlesinger, 96, of Holmdel, NJ, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025, at Jersey Shore Medical Center. She was born in Vienna, Austria on August 24, 1928. In March 1938 she escaped from Vienna to England with her mother due to the Nazi invasion. Eventually reuniting with her father and sister they settled in New Brunswick, NJ.

Elfi met her future husband Richard at New York University. They raised their family in Highland Park, NJ. Elfi obtained her Masters of Social Work at Columbia University and PhD at Rutgers. She had a long and successful career as a professor and dean at the Rutgers University Graduate School of Social Work. In her “retirement” she taught social work at Fordham and Yeshiva Universities. Her pride and joy were her children and grandchildren. She loved to travel, published several social work text books and was still working on her Holocaust memoir at the time of her passing.

Elfi was predeceased by her husband Richard, son David, parents Daniel and Scheindel Galanter, and sister Gertrude Lennon. She is survived by her daughter Adrienne Aldermeshian (Hrair), grandchildren Laura Aldermeshian, Peter Aldermeshian (Jacqui), and Maya Schlesinger (Will).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chhange, the Center for Holocaust, Human Rights and Genocide Education, 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738.

Shiva/Celebration of Life will be held at the home of Adrienne and Hrair Aldermeshian in Spring Lake on Sunday, June 8, 2025, 6:30-9:00 PM, Monday, June 9, 2025, 1:00-4:00 PM and 6:30-9:00 PM, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 1:00-4:00 PM and 6:30-9:00 PM. Each day we want to set time at about 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM to share Elfi's stories and memories with all. Please email adyalder@gmail.com for directions and details.

Professional services entrusted to Crabiel Parkwest Funeral Chapel of New Brunswick, NJ. Please visit www.crabielparkwest.com to sign the online guestbook.