Margarita Wong

Born on February 22, 1930, in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico, Magui lived a long and vibrant life filled with love, kindness, and devotion to her family.

Growing up, Magui enjoyed spending time with her many sisters and could often be found helping her Father, José, and her Mother, Teresa, run a small grocery store situated adjacent to the family home. During the 1950s, Magui moved to Mexico City, where, over the span of seven years, she joyously celebrated the arrival of four children. Shortly after her daughter Teresa’s birth, Magui and the children moved back to her beloved Mazatlán, where Magui worked as a seamstress. Sewing was her lifelong passion. As a talented seamstress, she poured her soul into every stitch – most memorably crafting two of her daughter-in-laws’ wedding dresses. Though she later moved to Tijuana, Mexico, and then to San Diego County, her native Mazatlán always held a special place in her heart.

Whenever there was a family event – and there were many – Magui would meticulously select her outfit and matching jewelry to ready herself for the occasion. She was also a talented cook, and nothing brought her more joy than sharing a meal with her devoted family.

Magui’s commitment to family epitomized her life. As the years progressed, she became the doting matriarch of a family 30+ members strong, including eight grandchildren, and, to date, 18 great grandchildren. “Mami Magui,” as she was known, spent countless hours fashioning blankets for the youngest members of the family. In a way, spending time with these little ones made her feel young too.

Magui spent many an afternoon playing rounds of cards with her family. “¿De dinero, o sin dinero?” she would ask as she sat down to shuffle at the card table. She loved playing for money, and she came to win. This competitive spirit also fueled many excursions to pull the slots at local casinos. Magui always seemed to walk away from the casino with more money than she entered. Or at least that’s what she’d tell you if you asked her. Besides her intense kindness, her wry sense of humor was perhaps her defining trait.

Mami Magui was preceded in death by her son, José Antonio Acevedo Wong. She is lovingly remembered by her descendants, including her children Jorge “Kiko” Acevedo-Wong, Javier Wong, and Teresa Fischbein, and her adoring grandchildren and great grandchildren. May her memory bring comfort and warmth to those who knew and loved her, and may her spirit live on in the generations to come.