Phyllis Marcia Kalb

Phyllis Marcia Kalb, 84, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025, at her home in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. The beloved wife, mother, and grandmother was predeceased by her husband Leonard. She is survived by her children: Elliott and wife Amy Kalb; David and wife Susan Kalb; and Randi and husband William Edelman. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Alissa and Aaron Krummen; Jordan Mesibov, Wyatt and Phelan Kalb, Heath, Samuel, Daniel, Jacob, and Sara Kalb; Jessica Edelman, and Lindsay Edelman. She leaves behind her sister Barbara DeNoble.

Phyllis was embedded in the South Orange community based on her remarkable 36-year career with the South Orange Public Library. As the Program Coordinator, she realized that the proximity of Seton Hall University offered the opportunity to invite renowned professors for speaking engagements before Library audiences. That led to appearances from Rutgers University instructors, as well as popular authors such as Paul Auster and Harlan Coben; and political leaders; all of whom shared their insights on a range of topics with the South Orange community. All the speakers had two things in common: their fee (zero) and their inability to say no to the human dynamo that was Phyllis.

Even after retirement, she volunteered her service and began a creative writing class at the New Providence Public Library. Her library career began at the age of 15 at the Osborne Town Library in Newark when she was still in high school.

She was devoted to her grandchildren. Phyllis loved the ocean. She loved good friends and good food. She loved travel. “The Pink Lady” adored bright colors and open spaces. Phyllis was passionate about reading. She was passionate about movies. She was passionate about shopping. And she was especially passionate about her lifelong journey with Lenny, a marriage that lasted more than 62 years on earth and throughout eternity.

In lieu of flowers people can donate in honor of Phyllis Kalb to the Friends of the South Orange Public Library at https://sopl.org/friends-of-sopl

The family will be receiving guests for Phyllis on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 from 10:15 AM to 10:45 AM at Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, 68 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston, New Jersey 07039, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at New Mount Zion Cemetery, 153 Orient Way, Lyndhurst, New Jersey 07071.