Morton A. Schrag

Mort Schrag passed away in his sleep on October 20, 2025. Husband of Lorraine, father of Becky (z"l), Carl, and Roger, father-in-law of Lilach and Lisa, grandfather of Ron, Adam, and Jonathan, grandfather-in-law of Becka, Daniella, and Meryl, great-grandfather of Micah, and friend to many, Mort will be dearly missed.

Mort was born in Brooklyn in 1929 as the third of Carl and Sadie Schrag's four children. From an early age, the close and loving relationships he developed with his siblings instilled in him a dedication to family that became a central pillar of his life.

After graduating from Oberlin College in 1950, Mort served as a chaplain's assistant in the army and worked at several summer camps before embarking on a 40-year career at Jewish Community Centers and federations in Chicago, Minneapolis, San Diego, San Francisco and Los Angeles. He was a devoted member of each Jewish community he was ever a part of, proudly serving as president of Adat Shalom in Los Angeles and always carrying with him a deep love for Jewish education, Jewish summer camps and Israel.

Mort was a die-hard San Diego Padres superfan (alongside Lorraine), the resident Upwords and Scrabble champion, lead jam-maker (a hobby he passed onto sons Carl and Roger), and active gardener. Having been part of Pete Seeger's Good Neighbor Chorus with his sister Gina back in Brooklyn, he always sang and hummed folk music around the house. He loved live theatre, reading the paper at the breakfast table, eating ice cream while watching "Jeopardy", and hosting the Passover Seder at Manning Avenue - never failing to extend each Seder just a little bit by leading everyone in an extra round of the Chad Gadya chorus. After retiring, Mort dedicated himself to several volunteer efforts, including at hospitals in Israel and many years at the SOVA Food Pantry in Los Angeles.

Ever since a family trip out west in 1938, Mort loved to travel. He and Lorraine frequently criss-crossed the country by car, visiting family, friends, and notable sites. He and Lorraine made efforts to attend any and all family simchas and celebrations, and he was always there to support family and friends through tragedy. But it was trips to visit his children, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren in Israel, the Bay Area, Chicago, and anywhere else they were located that meant most. His love and dedication to family has been passed down through the generations and across family trees.

An avid writer, Mort published Walking Through the Valley of the Shadow (2003) to help Jewish parents cope with the death of a child, and Lemonade Stand (2024), a memoir about his life and times.

Mort was predeceased by his three siblings, Allen, Danny, and Gina, and his beloved daughter Becky, becoming heavily involved in the Compassionate Friends group following Becky's death.

Mort and Lorraine recently relocated to the Chicago suburbs to be closer to family. He spent his last day surrounded by family, with Lorraine, his wife of 66 years, by his side when he passed away.

Mort was loved by his family and friends and will be dearly missed.

Funeral:
Thursday, October 23 2:00 p.m.
Mount Sinai Hollywood Hills 5950 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068

Shiva:
Valley Beth Shalom 15739 Ventura Boulevard, Encino, CA
Thursday, October 23 After the funeral until 6:30 pm and 7:15-9:00 pm.
Minyan at 7:45 pm
Friday, October 24 9 am-1 pm

1818 Sherwood Road, Highland Park, IL
Sunday, October 26 1-4 pm, and 5-7:30 pm.
Minyan at 6 pm
Monday, October 27 1-4 pm, and 5-7:30 pm.
Minyan at 6 pm
Tuesday, October 28, Private

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