Margaret Kloos

Margaret Kloos, age 97, passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 16 . Born in Bielsko-Biala, Poland, on October 27, 1928, to German parents, Margaret spent her early childhood in the family's prosperous restaurant located in the famed Art Nouveau "House of Two Frogs."

The onset of World War II brought profound upheaval. As the conflict engulfed their town, Margaret was sent to work on a German farm for over a year. The family later became refugees, returning to Germany and settling in Uhingen, where they rebuilt their lives with the help of relatives. Her father supported the family by foraging and selling wild mushrooms, eventually opening a modest kiosk that grew into a small grocery store run with the help of Margaret and her sisters.

As a young woman, Margaret discovered her artistic talent painting Delft plates and vases for a local factory-a skill she carried proudly throughout her life.

In 1956, facing the economic challenges of postwar Germany, Margaret and her husband, Albert, emigrated to the United States with their young son. They joined her sister Elsa in New Jersey and settled in Elizabeth, where Albert worked nights and attended Seton Hall University. Margaret adjusted to a new language and country while raising their son, finding comfort in simple excursions to downtown Newark.

The family later moved to Colonia, where they became active in the German-American Swim and Sports Club in Flanders and the international German cultural organization Schlaraffia. Margaret continued producing hand-painted Delft plates, tiles, and lamps for local decorators.

In 1973, the family relocated to Louisville, Kentucky, after Albert was promoted to vice president in his company's research division. There, Margaret's artistic talents flourished even further, and she built a small business creating custom ceramic pieces for local decorators. Her son fondly remembers helping her pour slip into molds and prepare pieces for painting.

Margaret was known for her quiet, introverted nature-yet when something genuinely struck her funny, her rare, deep belly laugh was unforgettable. Though she never considered herself athletic, she lived a long and full 97 years, much to the amusement of her family.

In the late 1980s, Margaret and Albert returned to New Jersey, settling in Panther Valley in Hackettstown. She remained a devoted wife, especially in Albert's later years as he battled Parkinson's disease, and she cared for him with strength and devotion until his passing in 2015. She also outlived both of her sisters, Herta and Elsa.

Margaret spent her later years at Chelsea Assisted Living in Warren and, eventually, Bridgeway Care Center in Bridgewater, chosen so her son could easily visit. She cherished flowers, and her son made sure she always had a fresh bouquet. She continued to enjoy family gatherings, attending Thanksgiving, Christmas, and many other celebrations well into her 90s.

Tragically, the isolation of the COVID years contributed to the progression of dementia in her final two years, yet she continued to recognize her son and found comfort in his presence.

Margaret's passions-her art, her dogs, and her exceptional cooking-remained defining threads throughout her life. Her family will forever remember her lovingly prepared meals, her creative spirit, and her quiet resilience.

Margaret is survived by her son, Dr. Thomas Kloos, and daughter-in-law, Kathy Kloos, as well as her grandsons, David Matthew and Michael Burton Kloos.

She is now reunited with her husband, sisters, and loved ones who passed before her. May she rest in peace.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial visitation at Countryside Funeral Home, 724 US Highway 202, Three Bridges, NJ 08887 on Monday, November 24, from 4-6 p.m. with the memorial service of eulogies at 5:00 p.m. led by family and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made in Margaret's name to Alzhiemers Association, 225 N Michigan Ave, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601; 800-272.3900; or ALZ.org. To send condolences, share photographs, or light a candle in memory of Margaret, please visit Countrysidefuneralhome.com.