Marguerite Martinkus

Margie was born on January 15, 1933, in Kiamesha, New York, to Charles and Elsie (Keehner) Kaiser. She was the beloved younger sister of Robert J. Kaiser.

Margie attended St. Peter’s Catholic School in Monticello, NY, and graduated as valedictorian of Monticello High School’s Class of 1950. Margie continued her academic excellence at Fredonia State Teachers College, earning her bachelor's degree in music education and graduating as a valedictorian again in 1954. She went on to complete her Master of Music in Education at the University of Michigan and returned to Monticello to begin her career teaching elementary education.

In 1957, Margie moved to Jersey City, NJ, where she taught high school music and later became the director of music and orchestra at Jersey City State College. That same year, she met U.S. Army veteran Joseph Martinkus. The two were married in 1957 and shared nearly 45 years of marriage until Joe’s passing in 2002.

Margie began part-time work in 1957 with the Ironworkers Local 580 Union Office in midtown Manhattan, which eventually became a full-time role she held with great pride. She managed benefits and investments for the union and was instrumental in bringing their bookkeeping into the digital age by transitioning the office from paper ledgers to computer systems. When she retired in 1992 after 35 years, it took three people to replace her. Retirement allowed her and Joe to enjoy traveling the world and spending cherished time with family and friends.

Margie’s unwavering optimism was her defining trait. No matter the challenges she faced, her energy and positivity never dimmed. She worked tirelessly while also lovingly caring for her grandmother, Elsie “Tiny Nana” Allen, until her passing at 102 in 1981. At one point in her life, Margie mailed over 400 holiday cards each season, a heartfelt reflection of how deeply she valued her relationships.

She and Joe, and later Margie with her beloved companion Don Meyer, never missed a family milestone. Weddings, graduations, baptisms, and celebrations of all kinds were treated as though they were for her own children. She loved her nieces, nephews, and their families with her whole heart.

Margie shared her musical gifts generously, playing the organ for many years at St. Ann’s Lithuanian Catholic Church in Jersey City. After moving to Emerson, and later to Toms River in retirement, she continued as a cantor at both St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church and St. Luke’s Catholic Church, near her residence at Harrogate.

At Harrogate, Margie became a beloved community member, actively participating in the choir, musicals, marketing initiatives, iPad training, and the welcome committee.

She frequently visited residents in rehabilitation, lifting spirits with her boundless cheer. Her presence will always be remembered as an example of how to live with joy, purpose, and generosity.

Margie was predeceased by her parents; her grandmother Elsie; her husband Joe; her beloved sister-in-law Mary Ann (Qualtere) Kaiser; and her late companion Don Meyer. She is survived by her loving big brother, Dr. Robert J. Kaiser of Scottsdale, AZ; her nephew Frank Silverstadt and his wife Francesca; nephews Robert J. Kaiser Jr. and his wife Aviva of Madison, WI, Michael C. Kaiser and his wife Diana of Scottsdale, AZ, Richard J. Kaiser and his wife Judy of Simsbury, CT; and her niece JoAnn (Kaiser) Froehlke and her husband Don of Scottsdale, AZ. Margie also leaves behind eight grand-nieces and nephews, seven great-grand-nieces and nephews, several godchildren, and her longtime companion Don Meyer’s extended family, who adored her.

A celebration of Margie’s life will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025. Family and friends are invited to gather from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM at D’Elia Funeral Home, 1300 Vermont Ave., Lakewood, NJ. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 AM at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 1674 Old Freehold Road, Toms River, NJ, with a Committal Service at 12:30 PM at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery, 350 Province Line Road, Wrightstown, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Luke’s Roman Catholic Church in Toms River, NJ, are welcomed and appreciated. https://membership.faithdirect.net/enroll/421.