Margarita A. Calzada

Margarita was born on February 22, 1932, in Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico. At the age of 30, she made the courageous journey to the United States, eventually settling in Houston, Texas, where she built a life rooted in love, faith, and resilience.

She was a woman of incredible strength and determination, a true example of what it means to persevere. Margarita was a hard worker who dedicated her life not only to her family but also to serving others.

For over 20 years, she worked for Houston ISD as a teacher’s aide, where she touched the lives of countless children. She truly loved working with kids and found great joy in helping them learn and grow. Her dedication was unwavering, and she continued working until the age of 73, a testament to her strong work ethic and loving heart.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Virgie Ornelas; her grandchildren, Lauren Greer (husband, Raymond Greer) and Anissa Padilla; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Kaedin Dugar, Landin Dugar, Ce’Ani Campbell, Rayleigh Greer, Raylenn Greer, Rayla Greer, and Rayson Greer.

Margarita found her greatest joy in caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether through her cooking, her nurturing spirit, or simply her presence, she made everyone feel loved, safe, and at home. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, filled with warmth, laughter, and the unforgettable taste of meals made with love.

In her quiet moments, she found happiness in the simple things she loved most—coloring, tending to her plants, and feeding her beloved cats. These small joys reflected her gentle spirit and the care she gave so freely to both people and the world around her.

Her faith was a guiding light throughout her life. She loved attending church and spending time at the senior citizen center, where she built friendships and continued to share her kindness and joy with others.

She is now reunited in eternal peace with her parents, Francisco Avalos and Lucinda Osorio; her brothers, Francisco Avalos and Armando Avalos; her sisters, Mercedes De Los Reyes, Valeria Calderon, Lilia Casas, and Irma Alicia Avalos Osorio; and her beloved son-in-law, Arthur Ornelas, who all preceded her in passing.

She is survived by her loving sister, Alma Becerra, along with the many family members and loved ones who will continue to carry her memory in their hearts.

Though our hearts are heavy and her absence leaves an emptiness that cannot be filled, we find peace in knowing she is no longer suffering and is now resting in the presence of the Lord. As it is written, “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8)

Margarita’s legacy of love, strength, and devotion will live on through every life she touched. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Visitation will be held at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023, US, on April 2, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

A Committal Service will be held at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023, US, on April 3, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.