- Date Of Birth: April 7, 1916
- Date Of Death: December 14, 2011
- State: Michigan
MARGOLIS, Elizabeth Hays Rieger passed away December 14, 2011, in Kalamazoo. Born April 7, 1916, in Pittsburgh, she came to Kalamazoo in 1945 with her husband, Dr. Frederick Margolis, a well-known pediatrician, and community leader.
Betty was often the quiet force behind many of Fred’s projects, including his medical films, television programs, and sex education initiatives. Betty was also a partner in their adventure to Arizona in the 1950s when Fred joined the Public Health Service and was assigned to a Navajo Indian Reservation in Fort Defiance. It was there that he ran the medical clinic and she won over the tribal leaders at her dining room table. She often said it was one of the highlights of her life.
Betty graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and completed her Master’s in Social Work at the University of Chicago. Her lifelong commitment to people started in those early days as a social worker and continued through her many years of community service in Kalamazoo. She volunteered with many local organizations and served on the board of the United Way. Betty fulfilled her wish of living in the family home throughout her 95 years. After a fall on December 5th, her five children joined her for her final days and were with her at her bedside when she died. They included daughters Susan Houseman Washington, DC, Barbara Margolis New York City, Judith Margolis Barrington, IL, and sons Frederick Margolis Jackson, WY, and James Margolis Chevy Chase, MD.
In addition, Betty is survived by nine grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to KCF/Dr. Frederick and Mrs. Elizabeth Margolis Fund, 151 South Rose Street, Suite 332, Kalamazoo, MI 49008. This Kalamazoo Community Fund supports the YWCA and Planned Parenthood.
