Margarita M Calvo

Margarita M. Calvo, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and educator, peacefully went home to the Lord on September 26, 2026, at the age of 84. Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life, and family was her greatest blessing. She cherished her family deeply and was devoted to her children, Sue, George, Cristina, and Ana, whose lives were a source of immense love and joy to her.

Born September 13, 1942 in Havana, Cuba, to Dr. Alfredo and Margarita C. Mendez, Margarita was an only child whose parents eagerly enrolled her in many activities. Ballet gave her poise, charm, and refinement, while her father taught her the fundamentals and enjoyment of the Cuban and American pastime, baseball. It soon became clear that ballet might not be Margarita’s calling, and her teacher suggested to her mother that she explore other enrichment activities. As it turned out, sports gave Margarita a place to channel her natural poise, charm, and refined disposition—and eventually, those qualities would become part of the way she approached the game of softball.

Margarita spent countless days at the ballpark with her father, the team doctor for the Havana Sugar Kings (Farm Club Cincinnati Reds). She was privileged to have many baseball greats—including Don Zimmer, Tommy Lasorda, and Brooks Robinson—visit her parents for weekly dinners, where she listened to their baseball dreams and stories. She learned the game by observing the best in the Cuban baseball winter league. Her love of sports continued throughout her lifetime.

At 18 years old, on October 28, 1960, Margarita and her family came to the United States, Miami, Florida and then Oklahoma. Margarita and her husband, Sixto attended and graduated from the University of Oklahoma.

In 1968, she and Sixto moved to Michigan. Margarita began a teaching career at Flint Central High School in Flint, Michigan. For 32 years, she taught Spanish, French, and Social Studies before becoming the school’s Bilingual Resource Facilitator. Following the passage of Title IX in 1972, Margarita approached the Athletic Director to volunteer to coach girls’ softball, since it was not yet an interscholastic sport. In 1975, she became a pioneer—the school’s first head coach—and remained in that role for the next 28 years.

In November 1989, the City of Flint honored Margarita by proclaiming “Margarita Calvo Day” in recognition of her outstanding service to the community. That same month, U.S. Congressman Dale E. Kildee honored her with a tribute entered into the Congressional Record, “Margarita Calvo: An Exemplary Teacher,” recognizing her dedication to bilingual education and her outstanding service to the Flint community.

Margarita’s teams won 466 games, 26 city championships, and three Class A District titles. She was inducted into the Michigan High School Coaches Softball Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2010. Her players affectionately called her “Mama Calvo.” It was never about the wins or losses for Coach Calvo. It was always about helping and guiding the next generation, giving them confidence, teaching them resilience, and helping them find their own path in life. Her influence reached far beyond the softball field, and the lessons she shared stayed with her players throughout their lives.

Margarita was the glue that held her family together. Whenever someone needed her, no matter the hour, she would stop whatever she was doing to offer comfort, guidance, or practical advice. Her beloved dogs, Maksy and Murphy, were never far from her side. Margarita also loved watching collegiate softball - GO Sooners! Baseball, football, and basketball, as well as cheering on the Detroit Lions.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Sixto; her daughter, Ana Calvo and Ana’s husband Luis Sanchez; and her parents, Alfredo and Margarita C. Mendez. She is survived by her daughters, Sue Calvo and Cristina Hutchins (Chris), and her son, George Calvo (Barbara); her grandchildren, Katie Calvo (Joel), Mike and Nick Calvo and Daniel Hutchins.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Brendan Catholic Church, 8725 SW 32nd Street, Miami, Florida 33165, on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 10:30AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Margarita M. Calvo’s name to: St. Brendan Catholic Church, and/or to a charity of your choice.