Memorial Bench to Honor Betty Feeley

Elizabeth M. Feeley passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home, surrounded by family on Friday, August 6, 2021. She had shared 94 years of unconditional love, commitment, support, generosity, and amazing memories with family and friends - especially at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Betty was hired at FDU in 1963 to start women’s varsity teams in tennis, field hockey, and swimming and as a physical education teacher. She was a pioneer for women’s equality in sports well before Title IX came into existence. Betty then earned a Master of Science Degree in Recreation Administration. She was inducted into the Division 3 Hall of Fame in 2004. She retired from coaching in the early 1980's to become the Director of Academic Advising. Later that decade she also retired from teaching and was promoted to Associate Dean for Student Services, a position held until her retirement at age 91. Betty knew how to cut through difficulties and challenges to get to the bottom of problem solving with unerring power and grace, whether it was for personal or professional situations. There was no stopping her.

We are raising money to cover the costs of a bench to dedicate in her honor on the Madison Campus of FDU. We hope this memorial bench will offer a calming place to sit, rest, and reflect on how she positively impacted countless lives.

Any excess money will be donated by her granddaughter, Alison Bauer, to the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra and Smile Train, two organizations she was deeply passionate about outside of work. Thank you for your consideration!