Margie Alpin Fiorito

Margaret A. Fiorito was a modest woman, quiet and observant in her ways. She was trustworthy and traditional in her approach to her life and in her relationships. She was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew her. She was also a woman who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything she undertook. Realistic about life, she was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

She was the daughter of John and Margaret Alpin. Margaret grew up in Uniondale Long Island, New York and Tucson, Arizona.

Margaret was raised with three siblings. Eddie, Sarah, and Billy. Margaret was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young girl, Margaret had a number of interests. Like most children, she enjoyed playing and making up games. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. Margaret was an active child who took part in softball. In her spare time she liked rollerskating. However, to Margaret, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her friends.

A typical teenager, Margaret had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was Art.

Always considered a “good” friend to those she knew, Margaret enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during her lifetime. While growing up, some of her best friends were Janet and Nancy. Later in life, she became friends with Mary and Lee Townsend, Kathy Daudel, and Jane Racette.

On June 22, 1963 Margaret exchanged wedding vows with James William Fiorito at St. Cyril of Tucson, Arizona. Empathic and loyal, Margaret was committed to making her new family happy.

Margaret worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Margaret was blessed with two children, Christina and Margo. Another blessing for Margaret was the gift of two grandchildren, Sierra and Ethan.

Fortunately, Margaret enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Margaret worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. Her primary occupation was Business Owner. She was employed for 30 years with her house cleaning business. Margaret always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Margaret enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were spoiling her grandchildren, collecting her angels, traveling, reading, and fishing. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Margaret found pleasure in sports. Recreational sports included bowling. Margaret was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she had the chance to do so. Tops on her list were roller derby and wrestling.

Throughout her life, Margaret was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout her later years, Margaret was an active member of the Young Couples Club, Room Mom, PTA.

Margaret’s faith was important to her. She was a member of Holy Name of Mary for 41 years. During that time, she was involved in Casino Night and Granny's Kitchen at the Christmas Boutique.

Margaret enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included San Francisco, Hawaii, Alaskan Cruise, San Diego, and Las Vegas.

Margaret was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Kujo, a German Shepherd dog. They were best friends for 11 years. Her family was rounded out by her dogs Bugsy and Pepita, Skyline and Kine, Poogles and Pugsley, and her siamese cat Chowmein.

Margaret passed away on March 12, 2011 at Kaiser Hospital in Los Angeles, California. She is survived by her husband, Jim; her daughters Christina and Margo; her grandchildren Sierra and Ethan; her brothers Eddie and Billy; and her sister Sarah. Services were held at Oakdale Memorial Park.

Simply stated, Margaret was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Margaret leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Margaret A. Fiorito.