MARGARETEN, REGINA

MARGARETEN, REGINA (1862–1959), pioneer in the American kosher food industry. Born in Miskolc, Hungary, Margareten came to the United States with her husband, father, mother, and four brothers in 1884. Out of the small bakery the family opened on the Lower East Side of Manhattan came Horowitz Brothers … Margareten, which continues to manufacture matzot, noodles, and other kosher products. Regina Margareten took over management of the business after her father's death in 1885 and achieved further authority after her husband's death in 1924. As of her 95th birthday she continued her daily work as treasurer and a director of the company located in Long Island City, Queens. Her 1957 birthday celebration included some 400 family members from all over the world, including children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. A philanthropist, Margareten was active in over 100 institutions. She was president of Daughters of Zion for over 50 years. Upon her death in 1959 the faculty, the Board of Directors, and students of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath and Mesivta called her "a noble woman whose long lifetime of good deeds provided a model for all Jewry" (New York Times, Jan. 19, 1959). (Sara Alpern (2nd ed.)