Stella Teitelbaum, 1917-2018, passed away on February 28, 2018, at the home of her daughter, Iris and son-in-law Steve Sanford. Our beloved mother gave up her “boxing gloves” to be with her loving husband of 65 years, Max (Scotty), who was born February 28, 1915.
Stella was born in Manhattan, NY, 1917 and later moved with her parents, sisters, and brother to Brooklyn, NY. In 1940, she married Max (nickname Scotty) and they shared two children, Phil (Cheri) and Iris (Steve). She was a strong advocate for peace and justice and participated in several marches and rallies. In 1969, Stella and Scotty moved to Los Angeles, CA to live near childhood friends. There Stella attended a class in sign language at Los Angeles Community College and volunteered at a preschool for deaf children. She also worked for a time as a sales manager in a women’s boutique. In 1990, Stella and Max moved to Kalamazoo, MI to be near their children and grandsons Ken and Dan. It is here that Stella said Kalamazoo was her “delicious dessert”. She loved the people here and was loved. Stella loved reading and writing poetry (especially Haiku) as well as sharing reflections on many subjects, one of which was published in the Gazette.
Stella was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grand and great grandmother. She raised her children with strong ethical values reflected in teaching us to “never hurt a hurt person” and to always live by the Golden Rule. She often said, “If you have something bad to say about someone, tell it to the trees”. Our father often called her the “Universal Mother” because she always offered advice (even with strangers she encountered) on why we must eat healthy and that when facing adversity and pain, put on those “boxing gloves” (which, as her dear sister Lorraine reminded us, has the word LOVE in it). Those who knew Stella know that we lost a woman of love, dignity, generosity, humor and so much more. Her wisdom and insights are cherished lessons for living. She touched the heart of everyone who met her; she gave her heart to everyone she met. She will be forever missed.
We would like to thank the many people who have helped us through a challenging time. Among them, Mark Vliestra and Jenn Root, Senior Services of SWMI; Dr. Raphelson, Carol N, Julie J, Terrie, from Hospice Care of SWMI; and our dear aides Lori G and Lorie K. Donations may go to the above organizations or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.
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