Margaret Kalman

Margaret Kalman passed away on December 14th, surrounded by loving family. Margaret is survived by her daughter, Kathleen Trontis, and her husband, John Trontis; her grandson, Dr. Andrew Trontis, and his wife, Dr. Clare Coda; and her great-grandchildren, Anna and John, of Ocean County. She also leaves behind her sister, Helen Szakacs, who resides in Toronto, Canada.

She was predeceased by her parents, John and Helen Hegyi, and by her husband, John Kalman.

Margaret, her parents, and her sister immigrated to the United States through Camp Kilmer in 1956 following the Hungarian Revolution. She faced the challenges of displacement with quiet strength, carrying forward the resilience and gratitude that marked her life. In 1957, she met and married her husband, and she and her sister celebrated a double wedding at St. Michael’s Church in Newark, NJ. Margaret and her husband made their home in Union, NJ, where they lived in a two-family house shared with her parents for many years.

An exceptionally talented custom tailor, Margaret worked for many years at Morgan’s Clothing in Irvington, NJ, and later at Royal Cleaners in Union. Her skill, precision, and dedication earned her the respect of coworkers and clients alike. She also loved gardening and often harvested enough vegetables to fill her pantry with jars of winter canning while still sharing generously with neighbors.

In 2012, Margaret moved to Washington Township, Warren County, New Jersey, to live with her daughter and son-in-law. She enjoyed attending the Seniors Nutrition Program in town, where she made new friends and found a warm community.

Margaret will be remembered for her kindness, her artistry, her devotion to family, and the strength she carried throughout her life.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hunterdon Hospice, at 215 NJ-31, Flemington, NJ 08822.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Friday, December 19, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Warren Hills Memorial Home, 234 West Washington Ave., Washington, NJ 07882.  A Catholic Prayer service will begin at 12:30 PM in the funeral home.  Interment at Hollywood Memorial Park, Union, NJ will follow at 2:00 PM