Margaret Jessie Souza

Margaret “Margie” Jessie Souza passed away on February 16, 2024 at the age of 91 to be with our Lord in Heaven. Margaret is survived by her husband of 20 years, Ralph Souza, her brother Rudy (Margie) along with her children Debbie Kent (Larry), Ted Peña (Laura), Alfred Peña (Tracy), and Larry Peña (Amelia), her Goddaughter Lissa (Mike), along with Ralph’s children Anthony Souza (Diana), Tina Spittle (Dean) and Sandy McCluskey. She is survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren and a great great grandchild totaling 73 in all. She was a beloved wife, sister, mom, aunt, mother-in-law, Godmother and “Nana” to so many others.

Margaret Jessie Torres was born in Los Angeles, CA on November 21, 1932, to Jose Torres and Juanita Oropeza. Her mom died shortly thereafter, and she, along with her two brothers Rudy and Johnny, was raised by her grandmother Josefa Oropeza.

She graduated from Garfield High School in 1950 and shortly thereafter married her first husband Ralph Peña, the father to her four children.

Margaret faced many challenges during her life, at one point becoming a single mom. Her resilience to provide the best life possible for her children meant going back to school and learning new skills like accounting and human resources. She worked at various companies including a tool and die company, auto dealerships and mortgage companies.

While attending grief counseling from the loss of her husband Lawrence Kessler, she met Ralph Souza who had also lost his first wife Kathy of 52 years. They connected, were married and lived a wonderful life for 20 years in Temecula, CA. Soon after they married, they adopted Kerrida, a tiny chihuahua that became a beloved family companion.

Margaret became better known to everyone as “Nana.” She shared her joy of life through celebrating special occasions with friends and families. Of course, there had to be Mariachi music playing at all times! She brought everyone together at her annual picnics to keep us all connected. They were always such a great time!

With Ralph by her side these last 20 years, Margaret traveled Costa Rica, where zip lining at 83 years old was not a surprise to all who knew her zest of life.

Margaret was a member of the Elks Club, VP of the Italian American Club and a member of the Red Hat Society to support their respective philianthropic endeavors.

She was known for her love of “Roses” whether it came in the form of flowers, jewelry, clothing, home décor or outside gardening.

Through it all, Margaret was a special lady who was not only surrounded by a large and loving family, but also by so many friends who stayed in touch over the years.