The Sierra Club Foundation bridges the intersection of strategic philanthropy and grassroots advocacy. As a... moreThe Sierra Club Foundation bridges the intersection of strategic philanthropy and grassroots advocacy. As a publicly supported charity, we partner with thousands of donors across the U.S. to invest in organizations that have an outsized impact on the health of the planet. To support our vision for a powerful, inclusive environmental movement focused on climate solutions, conservation, and movement building, we give special consideration to charitable programs that reinforce and advance these imperatives.
Please share your stories and memories of Margaret here.
OBITUARY
Margaret Weissbluth died on July 11, 2020 at her home at Palo Alto Commons. She was a well-loved member of the Stanford and Palo Alto community, having lived there for the past 70 years. Margaret had many friends who admired her cheerfulness and kindness and who shared her love of hiking, swimming, gardening, scrabble and crossword puzzles. She graduated from Brooklyn College with a degree in biology and worked as a nutrition aide... see more
Margaret Weissbluth died on July 11, 2020 at her home at Palo Alto Commons. She was a well-loved member of the Stanford and Palo Alto community, having lived there for the past 70 years. Margaret had many friends who admired her cheerfulness and kindness and who shared her love of hiking, swimming, gardening, scrabble and crossword puzzles. She graduated from Brooklyn College with a degree in biology and worked as a nutrition aide before marrying and having children. While her husband Mitch taught in the Applied Physics Department at Stanford, Margaret became an elementary teacher in the Whisman School District. Together they traveled extensively throughout the world. Following Mitch's death in 1990 and after her retirement, Margaret continued traveling with her sister Vivian. She also stayed in touch with an enthusiastic group of hiking friends from the Sierra Club and her regular walks at the Dish. Margaret enjoyed dining at the Faculty Club and participating in Stanford Women's Club cuisine and book groups, senior exercise and tai chi classes. She was able to remain in her campus home until her 102nd birthday with the caring, generous, dedicated support of close friends. Her family is very grateful to the wonderful staff at Palo Alto Commons who provided gentle and affectionate care to Margaret in the past few months.
Margaret was one of 10 children born to Harry and Anna Hochhauser in New York City in 1916 and grew up in Brooklyn. She is pre-deceased by her husband, Mitchel and her son Tom and survived by her sons, Steve and Marc; daughter-in-law, Christina; her sisters, Vivian Levy and Dolly Perlstein; her grandchildren, Claire, Elliot, Jed, Michael and Daniel and 8 great-grandchildren. For those who care to make a memorial contribution, donations to the Sierra Club will be appreciated.
From Paula Perron: "Margaret and Mitch Weissbluth came into my life in 1971 when I was hired as a staff member in the Applied Physics Department at Stanford. While my contact with Margaret was not as varied nor as deep as others have expressed in their... moreFrom Paula Perron: "Margaret and Mitch Weissbluth came into my life in 1971 when I was hired as a staff member in the Applied Physics Department at Stanford. While my contact with Margaret was not as varied nor as deep as others have expressed in their memories, I quickly realized what a special person she was and possessed all of the qualities already mentioned by others. She was so compassionate, and she always made me feel comfortable and happy when talking with her. Each fall, I looked forward to receiving her annual phone call asking that I save her the updated Stanford phone directory so she would have everyone’s phone numbers (not to mention the coupons in the back!) as well as her subsequent phone call each year to make sure that I included her on the invitation list to the Department’s annual faculty dinner. There are many memories of Margaret that will always have a place in my heart. One of my fondest ones is when at one of the faculty dinners (it was around her 90th birthday) we sat next each other and she introduced me to quinoa which she specifically asked the waiter to special order for her. As she educated me about all of the good that the grain has and how much she loved it, others at the table became engaged in the conversation about quinoa. It was an enjoyable occasion, thanks much to Margaret’s doings. We are all blessed to have had her in our varied lives and to be able to always have her in our loving memories" less
From Francina Lozada-Nur
Hello all,
I would like you to know that I was with Margaret the afternoon of the day she passed.
I visited her before leaving to Paros, as I had promised her.
We spent about an hour together, I reminded her of how important she... moreFrom Francina Lozada-Nur
Hello all,
I would like you to know that I was with Margaret the afternoon of the day she passed.
I visited her before leaving to Paros, as I had promised her.
We spent about an hour together, I reminded her of how important she was in my life and in many others. How good she was to her family, and that she truly was a remarkable woman. I told her how much we all loved and missed her. I mentioned her amazing qualities, and once in a while she laughed. All these, while I was given her a massage on her back, head and arms, which she loved and made sure to reminded me how much she enjoyed, and missed them (I used to go to the PAC every day to give her a massage) because they helped her to relax and sleep better ( her words).
She, as usual, asked for the well-being of each member of my family, talked about our trip to Big Sur, and asked how I managed to visit! Few people called while I was there, but she didn’t want to talk to anyone, instead decided to enjoy her head massage.
She was peaceful and I thought ready!
The most important part of her life, was taken away by Coronavirus_isolation, her friends!
Her memories and example of how to live a long life will always be with me” less
Margaret Weissbluth, the last time I saw Margaret was March 18. I know that because March 18 is a Wednesday and that was our day. We did not go to the faculty club that morning which was our usual routine because of the shelter in place order. We sat in... moreMargaret Weissbluth, the last time I saw Margaret was March 18. I know that because March 18 is a Wednesday and that was our day. We did not go to the faculty club that morning which was our usual routine because of the shelter in place order. We sat in the common area and just talked. One of the staff members came up to me and said that there were going to be new rules and visitors were not allowed. We FaceTimed regularly after that and it was the highlight of my day when Margaret, would ask me have I talk to you yet? I would always tell her no Margaret, even if she had already called.
I remember vividly the first time I pick Margaret up for her trip to the senior center in Menlo Park. I was driving my new two seater electric car. It was a neighborhood electric meaning that it didn't go over 35 miles an hour. She jumped into my small golf cart like electric car and said wonderful. I asked her if she's ever been in an electric car and she said no. She loved the attention that little car got every time we went out. People would want to talk about the car and Margaret, was very proud of it.
That first trip to Little House was the start of many trips with Margaret, I looked forward to her wonderful positive nature.  her son Steve introduced her to having a birdfeeder outside of her kitchen window. She told me that is very important for older people to see movement and the birds made that happen for her. It wasn't long before I had a birdfeeder.
There are many things I could share of my experiences with Margaret, but one stands out in my mind. Her son was very sick and in the hospital in Oregon and Margaret wanted to go and see him. I had a Tesla at that time so we had to stop and charge to complete the trip. It was around midnight and raining very hard as we pulled into a charge station. All of the chargers were blocked by what we referred to as ice cars. It stands for internal combustion engine. The charge station was in a bank parking lot in Oregon they were having a Christmas party. I was able to get someone to come out and move their car, finished charging and onto the hospital. It did not seem to faze Margaret that we were in somewhat of a pickle.
One last thought is of the Dish at Stanford. Margaret was famous for her many walks on the Dish. She told me that sometimes she would go out twice to walk to walk the Dish. She shared with me that after her husband passed, staying busy was The secret to staying mentally in a good place. She told me that one day her sister was having a down day and Margaret, told her to just open the door and go out.
I will miss having my time with Margaret, but I am so grateful for the time I did have with her. less
Where do I begin? Margaret has been a huge part of my life over the last many years. As with Cassa we had breakfast almost every week. There are very few people in my life that do not know of Margaret and her history. Margaret was as much apart of my... moreWhere do I begin? Margaret has been a huge part of my life over the last many years. As with Cassa we had breakfast almost every week. There are very few people in my life that do not know of Margaret and her history. Margaret was as much apart of my family as my real family was. I just learned of her passing today so I will have to spend some time thinking and gathering my thoughts. I will come back to this and also upload some photos. Dave Howes less
Margaret lived a long, healthy, and fulfilling life that is the desire of all of us, yet I am very sad and heartbroken that I won't get to see her again. I was really looking forward to seeing her more regularly now that I am moving back to the bay area.... moreMargaret lived a long, healthy, and fulfilling life that is the desire of all of us, yet I am very sad and heartbroken that I won't get to see her again. I was really looking forward to seeing her more regularly now that I am moving back to the bay area. For the past three years I have seen her only occasionally through Skype calls or when I was in the Bay area once in a while. I miss the old days when we got breakfast together every week.
Our friendship was an unusual one. People who saw us together at the Faculty Club or walking together on campus assumed that I was her helper. Afterall, what does a young African man from Ethiopia have in common with an old white Jewish lady? Quite a whole lot, it turns out. We felt very similarly on a range of topics and we held each other with esteem and affection. Margaret took pride in introducing me to her many friends and admirers by saying that I am her friend and a PhD physics student at Stanford. It felt to me that she took some small joy from crushing their preconceived assumptions about us.
Margaret and I first met in the summer of 2008 through an organization called Partners in Caring. We started out walking to the Stanford Bookstore to get bagels and coffee once a week. At some point, the bookstore was closed for renovation or what not, and we started going to the Faculty Club. Either Way, so long as I am in town we got breakfast together once a week. Sometimes we also went to dinner at the Faculty Club. That continued in one form or another for 9 years until I left Stanford in 2017.
We talked about a lot of things on our walks and breakfast. I mostly asked Margaret questions, and she was happy to tell me her thoughts. There was nothing off the table, we talked about taboo topics like religion and politics with complete freedom. She felt comfortable telling me whatever she thought. I particularly enjoyed hearing her life story; her childhood, college days, Stanford in the early days, and her many many travels. Margaret was at my graduation and my wedding.
In 2014, the year I was to graduate I was looking for a job all over the nation and I didn't know where I would end up. Margaret kept assuring me with unusual confidence that I will find a job right there at Stanford. As luck would have it, I got a teaching fellowship and stayed there till 2017. Then in 2017, I was again searching for my next job. This time though both me and my wife were not as fortunate to get jobs in the Bay area, so we ended up leaving. Kimmy started a 3 year postdoc in Chicago, and I moved down to LA to teach at Pepperdine University. But we kept in touch with Margaret via Skype or in person when we happened to be in the Bay area. Every time we saw her, she kept assuring us that we will find jobs back in the Bay area and will be coming back. We knew the chances were close to zero, but we applied to whatever academic jobs we can in Fall 2019. We had no expectations, but as if we hit the lottery, we both found jobs in the Bay area. We were thrilled to tell Margaret that we will be coming back and that we will get to visit her every week like the old days as soon as the pandemic ended. But Margaret had other plans. We truly feel that she left us too early. less
Margaret is my great aunt and I first remember meeting her almost 30 years ago when she flew all the way to New York from California for my Bar Mitzvah where she lit one of the candles. It was a happy time but also a sad time as her brother and my... moreMargaret is my great aunt and I first remember meeting her almost 30 years ago when she flew all the way to New York from California for my Bar Mitzvah where she lit one of the candles. It was a happy time but also a sad time as her brother and my grandfather Bill was in the hospital and passed a few days later. Fast forward a few years and I ended up going to college in her backyard so I got to know Margaret a bit better. I remember each time I visited her seeing this amazing energetic 80 year old as sharp and as athletic as could be, hiking up the dish, a serious hill for those who aren't familiar, and swimming multiple times a week. More recently, my 3 young kids got to meet her and were so excited and fascinated by not just meeting someone who had survived that long but also someone who had her wits and was incredibly engaging and energetic. Rest in peace and we send our love to all of her family and friends. less
I am sad to hear of Margaret’s death. She was a good friend- always chatted about whatever when we met at SCRA. My fond memories of her go way back to meeting her at SCRA and just visiting about whatever was then going on--a very friendly soul- to... moreI am sad to hear of Margaret’s death. She was a good friend- always chatted about whatever when we met at SCRA. My fond memories of her go way back to meeting her at SCRA and just visiting about whatever was then going on--a very friendly soul- to chat about whatever!!!! I will miss her. I send my love to her family. Dorothy F. Anderson less
Margaret shared:
a rainbow of friends, a trail of stories, a wicker basket of Wisdom, a vase
brimming with curiosity, a remarkable zest for Life, and a heart spilling over with kindness.
Was I ever lucky to spend as much time as I did with her!
... moreMargaret shared:
a rainbow of friends, a trail of stories, a wicker basket of Wisdom, a vase
brimming with curiosity, a remarkable zest for Life, and a heart spilling over with kindness.
Was I ever lucky to spend as much time as I did with her!
Ingrid Miller less
Margaret and I were neighbors and friends for many years. She was always such a joy to be around and an amazing inspiration. I feel fortunate to have known her and been friends with her. She will be deeply missed.
Our fondest memories of Margaret go back to the late 90’s when our son, David, attended Stanford. All of our visits to see him included time with Margaret, usually involving a walk to the Dish and dinner with some of David’s friends and Margaret. ... moreOur fondest memories of Margaret go back to the late 90’s when our son, David, attended Stanford. All of our visits to see him included time with Margaret, usually involving a walk to the Dish and dinner with some of David’s friends and Margaret. At dinner, Margaret would always order something delicious and only eat a little of it. As the waiter was clearing the table, she asked for a doggy bag for her uneaten food and another serving of bread. The added bread went directly into her doggy bag. We are disappointed that we were not able to get down to Palo Alto on more of our visits to Montclair in the last few years, but too often, scheduling conflicts arose. She was a wonderful person and a pleasure to be with; she will be remembered and missed for many years to come.
It was a privilege to have Margaret as a friend. Whip smart, warm and generous - she was always quick with a kind word and gentle smile. I so enjoyed playing Scrabble with her, even though she beat me consistently! Margaret is an inspiration to live a... moreIt was a privilege to have Margaret as a friend. Whip smart, warm and generous - she was always quick with a kind word and gentle smile. I so enjoyed playing Scrabble with her, even though she beat me consistently! Margaret is an inspiration to live a positive life every day. less
Margaret was a hoot! I only knew her through the SUWC. We should all be so lucky to live a full cognitive life as she did. I admired her positive attitude. She will always be remembered. May her memory be eternal!
Margaret was one of the great joys of our Stanford neighborhood. Ever wise, all-knowing, forever young, Margaret was a friend and a kind adult for each of our daughters, and our son-in-law. Margaret was a presence in our family life, joining us for many... moreMargaret was one of the great joys of our Stanford neighborhood. Ever wise, all-knowing, forever young, Margaret was a friend and a kind adult for each of our daughters, and our son-in-law. Margaret was a presence in our family life, joining us for many Jewish holidays, sharing her childhood memories from Brooklyn, ferociously beating us all in scrabble and taking refuge from the heat. We will miss her, the ever present sparkle in her blue eyes, her small smiles and big laughs, quick wit and, most of all, her plain spoken guidance about how to live long, be happy and build relationships. less
We were lucky enough to move into our home with our 4 girls next door to Margaret 14 years ago. Margaret was the best neighbor we could have wished for. Margaret was a legend in the neighborhood. She knew the history of each house and everyone in it. Her... moreWe were lucky enough to move into our home with our 4 girls next door to Margaret 14 years ago. Margaret was the best neighbor we could have wished for. Margaret was a legend in the neighborhood. She knew the history of each house and everyone in it. Her penchant for remembering every kids name and what they were doing was impressive. My daughter Olivia, did a video interview of Margaret for a school project. Listening to her regale the stories of her growing up in Brooklyn and her memories of her family were heart warming and meaningful. We will miss Margaret and her wise perspective on life. less
So the clock finally ran out on Margaret. What an innings she had. And what an impressive way to lead one's life. Her death really marks the end of an era for so many of us---no more Margaret! I can't imagine anyone... moreDear Christina, Steve and Claire,
So the clock finally ran out on Margaret. What an innings she had. And what an impressive way to lead one's life. Her death really marks the end of an era for so many of us---no more Margaret! I can't imagine anyone with greater "people" skills. She scooped people into her orbit, was the most inquiring questioner and the most interested listener into others' stories. What a gift.
We will all miss her daily presence---she always turned up, whether at the Faculty Club, the swimming pool, public lectures, walking around campus, at Trader Joe's, and always a friendly greeting and a smile that made you feel you were the most important person to her. The last time I saw her was around Easter, at the Fac. Club, where she managed to get the totally separate (from anyone she knew) group with whom we were having lunch totally involved in her affairs and arrangements! They were enthralled, on 5 mins acquaintance.
I do hope that circumstances will allow a future gathering of some sort to celebrate what her friendship meant to so many.
Meanwhile, condolences to all the family. How lucky you are to have had her for so long. May we all take a leaf out of Margaret's book as an example of how to age purposefully.
The Cuisine Club ((Stanford University Women's Club) started celebrating Margaret's Birthday on her 100th Birthday. She loved NY cheesecake and that was what the cake was, every year. She loved it. She was a special person and we all enjoyed her... moreThe Cuisine Club ((Stanford University Women's Club) started celebrating Margaret's Birthday on her 100th Birthday. She loved NY cheesecake and that was what the cake was, every year. She loved it. She was a special person and we all enjoyed her company in the club. She always had great ideas for new themes to enjoy every month. We will miss her. less
Margaret was a most special friend and unique spirit. I met her on the Dish at Stanford when she stopped me as I ran by with the question “What is a five-letter word for an island in the Pacific?” ..... and so began our friendship. Monday’s with... moreMargaret was a most special friend and unique spirit. I met her on the Dish at Stanford when she stopped me as I ran by with the question “What is a five-letter word for an island in the Pacific?” ..... and so began our friendship. Monday’s with Margaret we’re doing the crossword, taking a walk on campus, hearing stories about the history of the families who lived there as we passed by. Sometimes we’d visit some of the many sculptures less
I had the good fortune to live two blocks from Margaret and Mitch for the past 38 years and knew them well being in Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics. Probably the past 25 or so years and she no longer walked the dish, she walked past our house... moreI had the good fortune to live two blocks from Margaret and Mitch for the past 38 years and knew them well being in Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics. Probably the past 25 or so years and she no longer walked the dish, she walked past our house and I frequently talked with her. She was an absolutely amazing woman and inspiration. She maintained her walking even after requiring a walker and her health and mind were still amazing to the end. Her spirit was never dimmed, even late in life with many challenges. I will certainly miss her and remember her as a life joyfully and fully lived. 🌈 🌈 Jim Harris less
Margaret at one of her favorite lunch spots, Douce France. She taught us all a lot about living a positive life. Her circle of friends and support system was astonishing. I will never forget all the wonderful and interesting people I met hanging out with... moreMargaret at one of her favorite lunch spots, Douce France. She taught us all a lot about living a positive life. Her circle of friends and support system was astonishing. I will never forget all the wonderful and interesting people I met hanging out with her in Palo Alto. I will miss the Scrabble games. My favorite memory - the seven birthday cakes that arrived at the house during the day of her 100th birthday. She was well loved by all who knew her. less
Margaret visited my wife’s 3rd grade class annually at Santa Rita Elementary School in Los Altos with my mother Alayne. Each year she would come, sit in the classroom, marvel at the technology, and talk with the 7 year olds. They were captivated by... moreMargaret visited my wife’s 3rd grade class annually at Santa Rita Elementary School in Los Altos with my mother Alayne. Each year she would come, sit in the classroom, marvel at the technology, and talk with the 7 year olds. They were captivated by her, and vice versa. We all will miss her energy and love. Jeff and Susan Greenwald less
If you could model yourself after a loving cheerful athletic person who led a great life it would be margaret!! I met her on the Stanford dish years ago when she was walking in her 70s a very intelligent woman that always shared all her experiences of... moreIf you could model yourself after a loving cheerful athletic person who led a great life it would be margaret!! I met her on the Stanford dish years ago when she was walking in her 70s a very intelligent woman that always shared all her experiences of life with others a true gem she will truly be missed we love you margaret and I especially love how we shared our love of desserts less
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