Margarita Navarrette

Our beautiful mama, Margarita Navarrette passed away on Monday, August 6th, 2018. She was born in Bakersfield, California on December 13, 1938 to Luis and Antonia Espinoza, and was faithfully married to Mauricio Navarrette, the love of her life for over 40 years until he passed away on Feb. 4th, 2001. Those who knew Margarita would describe her as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who loved her family deeply and acknowledged the dignity of everyone she encountered. She was a dedicated teacher's aide to the students of Virginia Ave and Fairfax schools where she affectionately served for over 30 years. Margarita was deeply religious and faithful to her Creator, and though she was of limited means, demonstrated her faith through kind, compassionate, and charitable gifts of time and resources.

One of 5 siblings, Margarita is preceded in death by her eldest sister, Dolores "Lola" San Miguel, and youngest brother Luis Espinoza Jr. She is survived by her next eldest sister Ruth "Cuca" Rodriguez and younger brother Jose "Joe" Espinoza; she is also survived by her loving devoted daughters, Anna Chavez, Sandra Jaquez, and Diana Petty, as well as her loving grateful sons Martin Navarrette and Adam Navarrette. In addition to her siblings and children, Margarita is survived by 7 grandchildren, Ryan Chavez, Jesika Zeferino, Aidan Navarrette, Valena Chavez, Shoah Felix, Max Navarrette, and Drew Petty; and 3 great-grandchildren, Kaleb Chavez, Jakob Zeferino, and Zoey Zeferino.

Our family would like to express a special thank you to brother-in-law's Reymundo Chavez and Joe Jaquez, who showed exceeding kindness, empathy, and humor, during the most trying and difficult months of Margarita's life. Their patience and understanding brought much comfort and joy to our mother.

We are all so grateful for Margarita being in our lives, and she will be missed dearly by all for her inner beauty, wisdom, kindness, and sense of humor. Son-in-law Ken Petty will miss Margarita as his "drinking buddy" and will leave a glass out in her memory. Daughter-in-law Carol Navarrette will miss the chase of breaking through Margarita's stoic persona to reach her "soft inner side". And daughter-in-law Traci Navarrette will miss Margarita's delicious homemade tortillas and all the fun times they shared at El Cortez in Las Vegas. Although not a formal member of the family, Ernie Hinzo Sr. was a very special friend and confidant of Margarita, and shared many happy moments with her and our family.

Lastly, our family would like to thank Robert and Juanita of Optimal Hospice Care for their kind and gentle care that allowed our mother to maintain her dignity while surrounded by family.