IN MEMORIAM: Marilyn Teitelbaum, former Labor law attorney with Schuchat, Cook & Werner

Marilyn Ruth Teitelbaum (nee Schaffner) died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Jan. 26, 2023, in Denver, Colo. Ms. Teitelbaum was diagnosed in the Spring of 2022 with incurable ALS.

Ms. Teitelbaum grew up in Kirkwood, Mo., graduated from Washington University and taught English literature. She earned a master’s degree in English from Washington University and then a law degree from St. Louis University School of Law, where she graduated magna cum laude in 1976.

Shortly after graduation, she joined the law firm of Schuchat, Cook & Werner, where she practiced Labor and employment law on behalf of unions and employees until her retirement as a partner at the end of 2022. Her work ethic and dedication to her clients were legendary, earning her their great respect, admiration and friendship.

She represented clients in groundbreaking lawsuits and arbitrations throughout Missouri and Illinois. She gained national recognition as one of the preeminent Labor and employment law attorneys with her admission to the ABA’s College of Labor and Employment Attorneys and as chair of committees and conferences affiliated with the American Bar Association. She also authored numerous publications on civil rights, Labor arbitrations, employment law jury instructions, and other Labor and employment law topics.

Ms. Teitelbaum also volunteered her time and talents to a number of civic and professional causes. She served as a General Counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union of Eastern Missouri and represented ACLU clients in significant constitutional law cases. The Mayor of the City of St. Louis appointed her to the St. Louis Airport Commission in 2009, and she was a valued member of the Missouri Democratic Party’s voter protection team. She gave generously to many other charities and causes. She was also an active leader in the St. Louis Bar Association.

Throughout her life and even during her illness, she was known for bringing her family and friends together for joy and connection. She hosted countless gatherings, trips, and parties with her husband Steve Teitelbaum, her children Caren Teitelbaum, Aaron Teitelbaum (Marci) and Rebecca Wallace (Jon), and her grandchildren Leo and Sam Wallace and Quinn Teitelbaum, as well as her extended family, particularly brother and sister-in-law Herbert and Ruth Teitelbaum, niece Anna Kaye, nephew Noah Teitelbaum and their families. She leaves a wide circle of close friends from every stage of her life and in particular Tonya Wahlig who was her dear friend, trainer and caretaker to the end. Even as the disease quickly progressed, she never lost her sense of humor and fun and generously helped all of her family and friends cope with the inevitability of her progressive disease. Her courage, strength, and grace were an inspiration to all she touched.

A celebration of Marilyn’s life will be announced in the future. At her request, memorial tributes may be made to the St. Louis Public School Foundation, noting the “Marilyn Teitelbaum Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience Fund,” and addressed to The St. Louis Public School Foundation, 801 N. 11th Street, St. Louis, Mo. 63101 or The Little Bit Foundation, 1332 Baur Blvd., St. Louis, Mo. 63132.