Maragaret Jenkins

Margaret Hulst Jenkins, 99, of Hackettstown, NJ (formerly of Montclair, NJ and New London, NH) died on November 25, 2025.

Margaret, "Margie", was born on May 6,1926 in Montclair, NJ to the late Rev. George D. Hulst and Margaret Charlotte (nee; Gardiner) Hulst.

Margie attended Connecticut College and returned to college in her 50s. She received her degree in religious studies from Montclair State University.

Margie and her first husband, Willard G. Kluge, raised five children. During these years, Margie was active at St. Luke's Church in Montclair teaching Sunday school, assisting with the Altar Guild and later helping at the thrift shop and soup kitchen. She also participated in group bible studies with close friends. Margie was an avid reader and particularly enjoyed religious non-fiction, uplifting stories of faith, and a good mystery novel. If Margie wasn't curled up with a book, she was knitting sweaters, scarves, mittens and hats for her children and grandchildren. She also knit items for the Seamans Institute charity. Margie played tennis into her 80s and enjoyed following her favorite professional players on TV. On Saturday afternoons, Margie would be tuned to the radio listening to a New York Metropolitan Opera production. Her love of opera was instilled by her mother whose family helped launch the career of singer Leontyne Price.

After Margie's divorce, she reconnected with her high school sweetheart, Henry, "Huck", Jenkins. They married in 1981. Together they found happiness, laughter and true love. Huck died June 4, 1999.

Margie's faith, love and humor made for the best mother. Her warmth radiated to everyone she met. "I had the most fun with my kids." When her health was failing, she said, "Don't be sad when I die. Be happy for me." "Fiddle dee dee" as she would say. "If you can't make fun of yourself once in awhile, what's the point?" Everyone will miss her unending love and spirit.

Margie is survived by her loving children Christopher Kluge and his wife, Monica Kluge, Linda Kluge, Janet Wiggin and her husband, John Litton, Barbara Hickox and her husband Rick Hickox. Her oldest son John Kluge died in 2008. She also leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

The Heath Village caregivers are forever in our hearts for their tireless work and compassion.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held next spring.

Funeral services have been entrusted to Maguire Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 124 High St, Hackettstown, NJ 07840.