Maria Magdalena Cortez Loza

Magdalena, best known as Maggie or Malena, was borned on January 3, 1955 in Mexico City. She grew up in Tijuana and later in Fallbrook, California and grew to be a beautiful young lady.

She was preceded by her father, Arturo Cortez and her younger sister, Sylvia Cortez.

She is survived by her son, Felipe Rangel, Jr, her mother, Francisca Cortez Loza of 100 years old, her two sisters, Leticia and Marina Cortez and her brother, Francisco Cortez.

At the age of nine, her family immigrated to the United States and made their permanent home in Fallbrook, California. Magdalena was very bright and quickly learned English; spoke both languages perfectly. She was a cross country runner and graduated from Fallbrook High School in 1974. She had several jobs: Fallbrook Rexall Pharmacy, Hudsons in Rancho California, retail and office clerk at various locations. Maggie attended Palomar College where she earned an Associate Arts degree. She participated in MECHA and supported the Chicano Movement. Some of the pastimes were playing racquetball and participating in a dance Florkorico dance group. She attended the Liberal Studies program for 3 years at San Diego State University.

Malena had a great value for family. At a young age she would work during her summer vacations to help support the family. She was a great role model for her siblings. She had a beautiful, bright smile and a sweet personality; her temperament was calm and non-judgemental with a great sense of humor. She would drive her younger siblings to concerts, roller skating in Escondido, and to the beach. Maggie loved her family dearly.

Maggie thoroughly enjoyed music, basically any genre: Mexican baladas, rancheras, oldies, the 60’s, disco, R & B, soul, rock, pretty much anything. Recently her favorite pastime was listening to music using her headphones. She would listen to music for hours.

On October 10, 2023, sadly she departed. She had been battling a severe health condition for years. “Maggie, we miss you dearly; your sense of humor, your wit, and your beautiful smile.

You will always be in our hearts.”

A visitation for Maria will be held Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Eternal Hills Memorial Park, Mortuary and Crematory, 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA 92054. A funeral service will occur Friday, October 27, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Eternal Hills Memorial Park, Mortuary and Crematory.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eternalhillsmortuary.com for the Cortez Loza family.