Margaret Teitelbaum, Long Time School Nurse of Westfield High School
Margaret Irene Teitelbaum (née Kalbacher), formerly of Westfield, Clinton, Sunset Beach, NC and New Providence, passed away peacefully at Lantern Hill on May 13th at the age of 77. She was the beloved daughter of Joseph and Eleanor Kalbacher of Westfield.
Our Mom’s story began in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where she spent her first two years on a military base while her father, Dr. Joseph Kalbacher, served in the Army Medical Corps. At age two, the family returned to the charming town of Westfield, New Jersey—a place that would remain her home and heart for more than 50 years. As the oldest of six siblings— Barbara, John, Katherine, Jeanne, and Ellen—Mom naturally grew into a role filled with care, leadership, and love.
At Westfield High School, she discovered two of her lifelong passions: swimming and singing. She was a proud member of the swim team and later shared her love of the water as a waterfront director at a summer camp in theAdirondacks. Music was equally important to her—sparked by her time in the WHS Choral Program under Edward Wallace. That love of singing stayed with her throughout her life, eventually leading her to perform with the Songbirds during her retirement years in Sunset Beach.
After graduating from Westfield High School in 1967, Mom attended Elmira College before going on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Columbia University in 1971.Around that same time, a simple moment at a Westfield Thanksgiving football game—when a classmate saved her a seat—turned into something extraordinary. That classmate became her best friend, her partner, and the love of her life for 54 years.
Mom began her nursing career as a critical care nurse at Overlook Hospital. Her dedication to helping others eventually led her to school nursing, where she found her true calling. In 1986, she returned to Westfield High School—this time as “Mrs. T,” the beloved school nurse and health educator. For 30 years, she cared for, guided, and supported generations of students in her hometown, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.
In 2001, she and Dad made their home in Clinton Township, a place she fondly called “God’s Country.” There, she became an active member of the Church of the Immaculate Conception and cherished the sense of community it brought. In 2017, she and our Dad retired to Sunset Beach, North Carolina, where she fully embraced coastal life. She loved long walks on the beach, participating in Sea Trail activities, and, most of all, sharing that special place with her children and grandchildren. Family was everything to Mom. She never missed an opportunity to return to New Jersey to celebrate holidays and milestones with the people she loved. Summers were filled with joy and laughter at Wildwood Crest, Sunset Beach, Lake Anna, and Lovejoy Pond—places that now hold some of our most treasured memories.
Margaret is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Steven Christopher Teitelbaum. She was a devoted and proud mother to Christopher Teitelbaum (Jessica) Katherine Norton (Tom), and Ann Marie Teitelbaum (Gary). She was an adoring “Nannie” to her beloved granddaughters, Samantha andAva Reeves, who meant the world to her and shared an incredibly special bond. She also held a dear place in her heart for Drew(Sarah) and Julian as “Grandma”, and “GreatGrandma” to little Merrick — the newest blessing of the family, whose bright presence provided joy over this past year.
She is also lovingly remembered by her sister Ellen, her husband Steven, and their children Christina Jones (Frank), Joseph, Michael, and Jennifer. Mom so enjoyed celebrating life’s special moments with them, including Christina and Frank’s wedding and the arrival of her great-niece and namesake, Chelsea Margaret Jones.
Our beloved Mom always said that her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews were the light that gave her hope for the future. She lived her life with a generous spirit, a kind heart, and an unwavering love for her family and community.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Wednesday May 20, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at PaulIppolitoSummitMemorial,7Summit Ave. Summit, NJ.AFuneral Mass will be held on Thursday May 21, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Teresa of Avila in Summit, New Jersey. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery at Westfield, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in her memory to the Westfield Education Fund in Westfield, New Jersey, or to Children’s Specialized Hospital in Mountainside, New Jersey.
