Marguerite Regina Palmieri Klein

Marguerite Regina Palmieri Klein was born in Brooklyn, July 15, 1928, to Nicholas Palmieri and Catherine Tozzo Palmieri.  She had an older brother Richard who she idolized.  When she was a child her family moved to 33 Holland Place in Hartsdale NY where Marguerite grew up, attended Webb Grammar School and White Plains High School.   She occasionally recounted stories of walking all the way home from White Plains High School when her own children complained about walking.

Marguerite's early life was filled with family gatherings.  Her three cousins Dolores, Babs and Janet were her favorite friends and confidantes.  Among family Marguerite was called Miggs; she was a bit of a "tomboy" and managed to break her collar bone when climbing a tree.  Marguerite had two dogs growing up, dalmatians that both were named Duke.  Duke was her best childhood pal, and throughout her life, she loved to be around dogs, (but NOT cats) adding McDuff, Pippin and Muffet later on.

After high school Marguerite attended school for dental hygiene, but went to work at Con Edison where most of her family also worked.   She loved her job at Con Ed and recounted stories of the design and development of the original Tappan Zee Bridge.  She had a red ford falcon that she zipped around in and everyone knew. 

Marguerite's' mom Kitty passed away when Marguerite was in her early 20's.  She cherished her relationship with her mother who supported her, sewed clothing for her, and was loving and generous.  It was a deep loss that stayed with her for her entire life.  Like her mother, she always welcomed family and friends into her home, and would make sure to give attention to someone who may have been overlooked.  She always showed care and concern for people who were not well, or who needed some additional support.  She helped raise money for charity including the Lupus and American Cancer Society and her favorite St. Jude. 

Marguerite loved to go and dance and met Henry Klein at one of those dances.  They were married in 1960 and had two children, Keith and Catherine.  Marguerite was very involved in her kids’ school Sacred Heart in Hartsdale.  She was part of the Mother's Guild, volunteered for many events, and also worked in the school.  She was even one of the gym teachers for a year; something her kids did not appreciate.  She made costumes for school musicals, drove to endless little league or basketball games, and knew and loved every kid that she worked with.  She had no patience for mean behavior and would always stand up for "the little guy".  Long after her own children grew up she would bump into former students, who always recognized and went out of their way to say hi to "Mrs. Klein".  

Though their marriage ended in the late 70's, Marguerite stayed close with her in-laws and they continued to celebrate holidays and family events together.  In 1978 Marguerite went back to work for the Bank of New York.  She worked in downtown White Plains and was considered a "smart dresser".  She was known for having outfits that were carefully put together and always looked sharp.  She loved to laugh with and get together with colleagues and though she loved her name Marguerite, she was nicknamed "Maggie" at work and it stuck for her entire career.  In 1986 Marguerite sold the house on Holland Place and moved to Ossining, New York.  She continued to work at the Bank of NY until she retired in 1993.

Retirement began a new and happy chapter in her life.  Marguerite became a volunteer at Phelps Hospital.  Through Phelps she met a crew of friends and enjoyed regular social gatherings, staff events and loved that she was able to help people.  She was considered a real "pip" and would regularly challenge the rules she did not think were right.  Marguerite also met Jim Chalmers at Phelps.  They became a pair and stayed companions until he passed in 2017.  He "charmed" her with his Scottish brogue, his witty and easy-going manner.  They attended many Phelps events together including the Presidents Ball and she always loved when he would wear his kilt.  

Marguerite moved to Briarcliff Manor in 2009.  She participated in the altar society at St. Theresa's Church in Briarcliff and in her 80's became a "grandma" to many children at My Second Home in Mt. Kisco.  Once again, this new experience brought her back to what she loved most, interacting with children, helping those in need and gathering with friends.  

Marguerite passed away on February 28, 2019.  She is survived by her son and his wife, Keith Klein (Jude), and her daughter Catherine Glaab (Jim), as well as her three grandchildren Zachary Klein and Savannah and Casey Glaab.

Marguerite will be waked at Waterbury and Kelly Funeral Home on Sunday March 17th from 2-6 PM. Funeral Services will be at Sacred Heart Church in Hartsdale, NY at 10:30 on Monday, March 18th.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to St. Jude or the Alzheimer’s Association of Westchester.

WATERBURY & KELLY FUNERAL HOME

1300 Pleasantville Road

Briarcliff Manor, New York 10510

914-941-0838

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