Margaret P. Melstrom | English teacher, 87

Margaret Pomerantz Melstrom, 87, formerly of Cherry Hill, a retired English teacher, died of cancer Aug. 30 at the Medford Leas retirement community in Medford.

Mrs. Melstrom was born in Siberia. She came to the United States as an infant with her parents and grew up in California. After earning a bachelor's degree from Fresno State Teachers College, she taught high school English in California.

In 1945, she married Donald Melstrom, a research chemist. The couple moved to New Jersey in 1962, and Mrs. Melstrom joined the faculty at Delaware Township High School, now Cherry Hill High School West. She was dedicated to her students and mentored many young teachers who became close friends, her daughter Margaret Lloyd said.

After retiring in 1980, Mrs. Melstrom volunteered with Samaritan Hospice in Marlton, tutored people learning English as a second language, and volunteered at the Contact Exchange, a Haddonfield consignment shop that raises money for community services.

In 1996, Mrs. Melstrom was named Unitarian Universalist of the year by the Unitarian Church of Cherry Hill for her service and philanthropy.

After moving to Medford Leas five years ago, she volunteered in the gift shop, assisted Alzheimer's patients, and wrote profiles of new residents for the community's newsletter.

In addition to her daughter, Mrs. Melstrom is survived by a son, William; another daughter, Nancy; and four grandchildren. Her husband died in 1972, and son Stephen died in 1990.

A celebration of life will begin at 3 p.m. tomorrow at Medford Leas.