"Endearing Margaret" given by Kay H. Davidson, her cousin
Margaret S. Chang was born in North Kohala, Hawaii, on February 2, 1917. She graduated from Kohala High School with an A student rating. While she was growing up in Kohala her basic character was demonstrated when she was aware that her friend could not afford a guitar of his own. She affectionately gave her guitar to him. This guitar that she gave him was treasured by him.
She moved to Honolulu to attend the University of Hawaii, and after graduation she was a teacher at Kaimuki High School. During that time she met Peter Chang. After they married they moved to New York and later on moved to New Jersey where they established their new residence.
She was well known for her philanthropic reputation. As a result she was beloved by the people she helped for her generosity. Other positive aspects of her character were that she loved children and caringly helped them with their needs. She was also delighted with her two cute Siamese cats.
"In Memory of Mrs. Margaret Chang" by Jacqueline Little
I first met Mrs. Margaret Chang over 30 years ago at New Brunswick High School during my sophomore year. Mrs. Chang was my English teacher. As a teacher, she was very committed and devoted to providing her students with the necessary skills in order for them to perform to the best of their abilities. She taught with passion and always encouraged her students to strive for academic excellence.
Upon graduation from high school, I kept in touch with Mrs. Chang over the years through letters of correspondence and few home visits. Although our contact was not very often, I truly enjoyed the time we did share. Mrs. Chang was very gracious and humble. She genuinely cared for people and their well-being.
Galatians 5:22-23 says:
But the fruit of the spirit is LOVE, JOY, PEACE, GENTLENESS, GOODNESS and FAITH.
Mrs. Margaret Chang possessed all of these virtues as a person. I feel truly blessed to have known her as my teacher and friend.
"The Margaret Chang I Remember" by Gloria E. Rahn
I met Margaret Chang in February of 1970, when I arrived at New Brunswick High School to begin my student teaching. Mrs. Chang was my cooperating teach. One of the very first things she said to me that morning was that she did not want a student teacher. She'd already had one during the first semester and had refused when asked to take another. But her supervisor had insisted, and so there I was, feeling rather awkward and nervous and thinking that this was not going to be a very good experience. She may not have wanted me, but that didn't stop her from giving me 100% of her time, effort and attention By the end of May when I was finished student teaching, I had learned more about education than I had in all my college courses, and I had gained a lifelong friend. She also recommended me for my first teaching job in the English department (where I have been working ever since), and she continued to offer advice and guidance when I became her colleague.
I quickly discovered that Mrs. Chang was somewhat of a legend at New Brunswick High School. She had come to the high school originally as an exchange teacher. A New Brunswick teacher went to Hawaii for a year and Mrs. Chang came here, except Mrs. Chang never went back! When I asked her why she ever left a place most of us would think of as paradise, she said that from the time she was a little girl she wanted to get off the provincial islands and live on the mainland, specifically New York. She did live in New York City, very close to Penn Station, and commuted by train to New Brunswick every day.
Mrs. Chang was generally a very private person, but among the faculty she was known for some things that made her unique. Everyone knew, for example, that she loved cats and was absolutely devoted to her own Siamese cats which she talked about as if they were the descendants of an ancient breed that had graced the thrones of kings. She admired their aloofness and dignity and felt they were definitely worthy of the fresh chicken breast and filet mignon she cooked for them every night. Something else all the teachers knew was that she was a very heavy smoker, which really surprises me because it just seemed so out of character for this petite woman who was such a perfect lady. She worked nonstop all day at school, with her classes and duties as the assistant to the department chair, and while she might skip lunch, she'd always manage to steal a few minutes during the day to go to the faculty room to consume a couple of cigarettes before heading back to class. Mrs. Chang also had a reputation for her direct, honest comments about all subjects (something I had experienced on that first morning at the high school). She did not just “talk” for the sake of talking. She never joined in school gossip, but if she did make a comment about someone at work it was always a simple, amazingly perceptive statement that left nothing more to be said.
That first summer after I finished my student teaching, Mrs. Chang invited me to come to the city to join her for lunch and shopping. It was at the time that I learned she loved to shop. I had been going to Macy's in Herald Square with my mother and grandmother since I was about five years old, but shopping in New York City with Mrs. Chang was a whole new experience for me. We started at B. Altman's on Fifth Avenue at 34th St. and continued up Fifth, stopping at Lord & Taylor, Bonwit Teller, Sak's and finally Bergdorf Goodman. It was the same at every store. She searched through the smallest dresses she could find, but none were quite right in style or quality, and she ended the day saying she would just have to go back to her dressmaker and have some dresses made. There were many subsequent shopping trips over the years in New York and later in Short Hills, New Jersey, and they always ended the same way. I hardly remember her ever buying anything, at least not for herself. When in the city we didn't always spend the whole day shopping. She took me on my first visit to the Guggenheim Museum because, she said, she wanted to make sure I saw the museum correctly, starting at the top and walking down.
When Mrs. Chang's brother-in-law died suddenly, she left New York and with her husband moved into her sister's home in Scotch Plains to be with her. She was now living in the suburbs, but did not drive. I was living in nearly Cranford at the time, and so I started driving her to and from school. I did this for several years and these forty-five minute morning and afternoon drives gave me the chance to get to know her even better. Our discussions during these daily commutes covered many topics and I still find myself thinking back to things she said to me those many years ago, realizing the wisdom and prophecy of her words.
Only the lucky among us knew about Mrs. Chang's talent at baking. For my birthday every year she would make me a batch of her special recipe mini cream puffs or éclairs because she knew these delectable treats were my favorites. She also made a delicious Hawaiian pineapple macadamia nut fruit cake and gave little loaves as gifts at Christmas. Those who didn't get a homemade fruit cake from her might receive a box of gourmet chocolates from a chocolate shop in the city or a container of macadamia nuts or package of Kona coffee just recently arrived from Hawaii. She always knew what someone would like the most. I remember one year, when I picked her up in the morning on the last day of school before Christmas vacation, she had a package which she left in my car when we got to work. At the end of the day she asked me to go out and get it. When I came back she gave it to an older female custodian who worked in our building. It was a bottle of gin. She told me later that she knew the woman would like that much better than fruit cake.
Mrs. Chang retired from teaching in the early 1980's. During that time, I was on a leave of absence from New Brunswick living in Germany. I never knew for sure if it was true, but when I returned, I was told by someone that the reason that she retired then was because the district was making major cutbacks and laying off teachers. She knew if she retired then she would save the job of one of the younger teachers. That sounded like a decision she might make. I didn't see her as often after that, but we did get together a couple of times a year. After I bought my first home about 20 years ago, I brought her to see it, anxious to hear her opinion, which I'd always valued. She came in and proceeded to walk through every room in the house without saying a word. Finally, she ended up back near the front door, nodded her head and said, “Yes, this is good. Now let's go to lunch.” That was enough for me to validate my decision about the house.
Over the years I saw Mrs. Chang less and less, especially after her sister became ill and she stayed close to home to care for her. But we still communicated. I sent her birthday and Christmas cards, and letters with news of things I was doing. She would respond with notes that expressed her concern for my father who was ill or her sincere sympathy and consolation when my own cat died. I've kept several of these letters, just because her words were so beautifully crafted, and her thoughts, as always, filled with wisdom and insight. And she always ended her notes with promises that we would get together again soon for the next shopping trip.
As I was writing this “memory” of Margaret Chang, I realized once again how fortunate it was for me that she was forced to take me as a student teacher. She set the foundation for the teacher I became and influenced my thinking throughout my life. Though there may be no one other than myself still at New Brunswick High School who knew Mrs. Chang, her legacy lives on. When I work with new teachers in our district, I always share with them advice that I tell them I got from my cooperating teacher, timeless advice that has served me well for over forty years. That impresses them.
Margaret S. Chang was born in North Kohala, Hawaii, on February 2, 1917. She graduated from Kohala High School with an A student rating. While she was growing up in Kohala her basic character was demonstrated when she was aware that her friend could not afford a guitar of his own. She affectionately gave her guitar to him. This guitar that she gave him was treasured by him.
She moved to Honolulu to attend the University of Hawaii, and after graduation she was a teacher at Kaimuki High School. During that time she met Peter Chang. After they married they moved to New York and later on moved to New Jersey where they established their new residence.
She was well known for her philanthropic reputation. As a result she was beloved by the people she helped for her generosity. Other positive aspects of her character were that she loved children and caringly helped them with their needs. She was also delighted with her two cute Siamese cats.
"In Memory of Mrs. Margaret Chang" by Jacqueline Little
I first met Mrs. Margaret Chang over 30 years ago at New Brunswick High School during my sophomore year. Mrs. Chang was my English teacher. As a teacher, she was very committed and devoted to providing her students with the necessary skills in order for them to perform to the best of their abilities. She taught with passion and always encouraged her students to strive for academic excellence.
Upon graduation from high school, I kept in touch with Mrs. Chang over the years through letters of correspondence and few home visits. Although our contact was not very often, I truly enjoyed the time we did share. Mrs. Chang was very gracious and humble. She genuinely cared for people and their well-being.
Galatians 5:22-23 says:
But the fruit of the spirit is LOVE, JOY, PEACE, GENTLENESS, GOODNESS and FAITH.
Mrs. Margaret Chang possessed all of these virtues as a person. I feel truly blessed to have known her as my teacher and friend.
"The Margaret Chang I Remember" by Gloria E. Rahn
I met Margaret Chang in February of 1970, when I arrived at New Brunswick High School to begin my student teaching. Mrs. Chang was my cooperating teach. One of the very first things she said to me that morning was that she did not want a student teacher. She'd already had one during the first semester and had refused when asked to take another. But her supervisor had insisted, and so there I was, feeling rather awkward and nervous and thinking that this was not going to be a very good experience. She may not have wanted me, but that didn't stop her from giving me 100% of her time, effort and attention By the end of May when I was finished student teaching, I had learned more about education than I had in all my college courses, and I had gained a lifelong friend. She also recommended me for my first teaching job in the English department (where I have been working ever since), and she continued to offer advice and guidance when I became her colleague.
I quickly discovered that Mrs. Chang was somewhat of a legend at New Brunswick High School. She had come to the high school originally as an exchange teacher. A New Brunswick teacher went to Hawaii for a year and Mrs. Chang came here, except Mrs. Chang never went back! When I asked her why she ever left a place most of us would think of as paradise, she said that from the time she was a little girl she wanted to get off the provincial islands and live on the mainland, specifically New York. She did live in New York City, very close to Penn Station, and commuted by train to New Brunswick every day.
Mrs. Chang was generally a very private person, but among the faculty she was known for some things that made her unique. Everyone knew, for example, that she loved cats and was absolutely devoted to her own Siamese cats which she talked about as if they were the descendants of an ancient breed that had graced the thrones of kings. She admired their aloofness and dignity and felt they were definitely worthy of the fresh chicken breast and filet mignon she cooked for them every night. Something else all the teachers knew was that she was a very heavy smoker, which really surprises me because it just seemed so out of character for this petite woman who was such a perfect lady. She worked nonstop all day at school, with her classes and duties as the assistant to the department chair, and while she might skip lunch, she'd always manage to steal a few minutes during the day to go to the faculty room to consume a couple of cigarettes before heading back to class. Mrs. Chang also had a reputation for her direct, honest comments about all subjects (something I had experienced on that first morning at the high school). She did not just “talk” for the sake of talking. She never joined in school gossip, but if she did make a comment about someone at work it was always a simple, amazingly perceptive statement that left nothing more to be said.
That first summer after I finished my student teaching, Mrs. Chang invited me to come to the city to join her for lunch and shopping. It was at the time that I learned she loved to shop. I had been going to Macy's in Herald Square with my mother and grandmother since I was about five years old, but shopping in New York City with Mrs. Chang was a whole new experience for me. We started at B. Altman's on Fifth Avenue at 34th St. and continued up Fifth, stopping at Lord & Taylor, Bonwit Teller, Sak's and finally Bergdorf Goodman. It was the same at every store. She searched through the smallest dresses she could find, but none were quite right in style or quality, and she ended the day saying she would just have to go back to her dressmaker and have some dresses made. There were many subsequent shopping trips over the years in New York and later in Short Hills, New Jersey, and they always ended the same way. I hardly remember her ever buying anything, at least not for herself. When in the city we didn't always spend the whole day shopping. She took me on my first visit to the Guggenheim Museum because, she said, she wanted to make sure I saw the museum correctly, starting at the top and walking down.
When Mrs. Chang's brother-in-law died suddenly, she left New York and with her husband moved into her sister's home in Scotch Plains to be with her. She was now living in the suburbs, but did not drive. I was living in nearly Cranford at the time, and so I started driving her to and from school. I did this for several years and these forty-five minute morning and afternoon drives gave me the chance to get to know her even better. Our discussions during these daily commutes covered many topics and I still find myself thinking back to things she said to me those many years ago, realizing the wisdom and prophecy of her words.
Only the lucky among us knew about Mrs. Chang's talent at baking. For my birthday every year she would make me a batch of her special recipe mini cream puffs or éclairs because she knew these delectable treats were my favorites. She also made a delicious Hawaiian pineapple macadamia nut fruit cake and gave little loaves as gifts at Christmas. Those who didn't get a homemade fruit cake from her might receive a box of gourmet chocolates from a chocolate shop in the city or a container of macadamia nuts or package of Kona coffee just recently arrived from Hawaii. She always knew what someone would like the most. I remember one year, when I picked her up in the morning on the last day of school before Christmas vacation, she had a package which she left in my car when we got to work. At the end of the day she asked me to go out and get it. When I came back she gave it to an older female custodian who worked in our building. It was a bottle of gin. She told me later that she knew the woman would like that much better than fruit cake.
Mrs. Chang retired from teaching in the early 1980's. During that time, I was on a leave of absence from New Brunswick living in Germany. I never knew for sure if it was true, but when I returned, I was told by someone that the reason that she retired then was because the district was making major cutbacks and laying off teachers. She knew if she retired then she would save the job of one of the younger teachers. That sounded like a decision she might make. I didn't see her as often after that, but we did get together a couple of times a year. After I bought my first home about 20 years ago, I brought her to see it, anxious to hear her opinion, which I'd always valued. She came in and proceeded to walk through every room in the house without saying a word. Finally, she ended up back near the front door, nodded her head and said, “Yes, this is good. Now let's go to lunch.” That was enough for me to validate my decision about the house.
Over the years I saw Mrs. Chang less and less, especially after her sister became ill and she stayed close to home to care for her. But we still communicated. I sent her birthday and Christmas cards, and letters with news of things I was doing. She would respond with notes that expressed her concern for my father who was ill or her sincere sympathy and consolation when my own cat died. I've kept several of these letters, just because her words were so beautifully crafted, and her thoughts, as always, filled with wisdom and insight. And she always ended her notes with promises that we would get together again soon for the next shopping trip.
As I was writing this “memory” of Margaret Chang, I realized once again how fortunate it was for me that she was forced to take me as a student teacher. She set the foundation for the teacher I became and influenced my thinking throughout my life. Though there may be no one other than myself still at New Brunswick High School who knew Mrs. Chang, her legacy lives on. When I work with new teachers in our district, I always share with them advice that I tell them I got from my cooperating teacher, timeless advice that has served me well for over forty years. That impresses them.