Margarita Salas Quihuis

In loving memory of Margarita Quihuis, a woman whose life unfolded like a rich tapestry, woven with threads of resilience, beauty, and regality. Born on August 7, 1939, in the picturesque town of Jerez, Zacatecas, Mexico, she emerged as the second surviving daughter of Jose Belen Salas Espinoza and Aurora Quinones.

From the sunlit landscapes of Jerez to the vibrant summers at El Cargadero, the hacienda of her step-grandparents, Margarita's early years were immersed in the beauty of her heritage. Riding horseback through the working hacienda, she created cherished memories with her sisters and uncles.

At the age of 12, her family's journey took a pivotal turn, uprooting them to Tijuana in connection with the Bracero program, where her father engaged in farm work in the United States. This move brought challenges, leaving behind the beloved Jerez and facing grinding poverty in Tijuana. Undeterred, Margarita embarked on a path of resilience, training as a nurse for Dr. Favela at 14, becoming a symbol of strength in the face of adversity.

In Tijuana, she met Nestor Quihuis, marking the beginning of a swift courtship that led to their marriage in 1959. Emigrating to San Diego, Margarita became the devoted cornerstone of her family, excelling as a wife, mother, and homemaker—all while maintaining a home adorned with her unique touch and her favorite color, red. Her financial acumen made her the private banker and lender to the extended Salas and Quihuis clans—all transactions conducted with the utmost privacy.

Affectionately nicknamed Sara Montiel by her sisters, Margarita's regal presence and movie star looks were a testament to her external beauty and commanding essence that marked her as a queen in every room she entered.

During the last ten years of her husband Nestor's life, Margarita selflessly dedicated herself as his full-time caregiver. Her unwavering commitment became the bedrock that supported him through his journey, exhibiting the same grace, elegance, and strength that defined her entire life.

Beyond her captivating beauty and internal grace, Margarita possessed a formidable personality—unyielding and resolute. She faced life's challenges head-on, giving as good as she got. Whether overcoming a childhood speech impediment, braving the hardships of relocation, or obtaining her GED in her 50s, her tenacity echoed through the chapters of her life.

Margarita was predeceased by her husband, Nestor Cordova Quihuis and is survived by her four daughters: Margarita (son Benjamin), Olga (sons Alexander, Cameron, and Brendan), Irene (husband David), and Rita (son Ian). Her legacy extends to her great-granddaughter Hayden Diana, daughter of Cameron and Stacy, and her sisters Maria, Guadalupe, Valentina, Trinidad, Aurora, Raquel, and Gloria.

Margarita's journey, from the enchanting landscapes of Jerez to the resilience forged in Tijuana, epitomizes a life rich in beauty, strength, and regality—all painted with the vibrant red strokes of her personal style. Today, as we honor her memory, let us celebrate the intricate tapestry of Margarita Quihuis—a woman who embraced life with elegance, faced challenges with unwavering strength, and left an enduring legacy of grace and presence.