Margaret Paz

In the song of life, Margaret Paz was surely the composer. A very observant woman who would rather spend her time creating than talking, Margaret preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around her made sense. In fact, she depended on her sensory world to provide her with concrete data. A free spirit, Margaret believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. She seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything she did. Margaret perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to her, yet she lived with a definite sense of purpose. She was a woman who was always ready to share her creations with those around her.

Margaret was born on February 5, 1952 at General Hospital in Los Angeles, California. Her parents were Frank and Esperanza Flores. Margaret was raised in Rosemead, California. As a young child, Margaret was optimistic in her outlook. She sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply her creative energies. Margaret rarely calling attention to herself, but when she did speak out, her message was clearly understood by those around her.

Early on in her family relationships, Margaret showed that she was a tolerant and flexible person, and she got along fairly well with everyone. She was raised with twelve siblings. She had three brothers, Frank II, Alfred and Richard and nine sisters, Rebecca, Gloria, Rosemary, Rachel, Frances, Monica, Rosalie and Esperanza. She was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

As she was growing up, Margaret developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and she took pleasure in using her hands in order to create. Whether it was drawing pictures, working with building kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by, Margaret liked concrete things. She was a girl scout. However, to Margaret, the most fun she had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

Early on in her school years, Margaret showed an interest in learning, especially when it came to subjects in the arts. At times, school learning did not provide Margaret with sufficient challenges, but being an avid reader, she could often be “lost in a book” well above her grade level. Her passion for fine arts was so keen that fellow students and even her teachers recognized it. She graduated from Rosemead High School in 1970. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Margaret was a three year graduate.

Those who didn’t know Margaret well might not view her as being an outgoing person, those who called her their friend knew differently. Margaret was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced her opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that her kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Margaret’s, you understood how true a friend she could be. While growing up, some of her best friends were Hortencia. Later in life, she became friends with Becky and Lucille Fregoso.

A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, Margaret had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned. On November 1, 1997, Margaret exchanged wedding vows with her life partner Jesse John Paz in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Margaret was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to her children. These emotional bonds made her as much playmate as parent. She gave her family unconditional love and kindness, sharing her artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Margaret was blessed with three children, one daughter, Margaret, two sons, Edmund and Matthew and one step-son Jesse. They were also blessed with eleven grandchildren Vanessa, Rosemarie, Adrian, Anthony, Ashley, Valerie, Matthew, Matthew Jr., Nicholas, Jaylene and Tony and with one grandchild and one great-grandchild on the way,

Margaret found ways to enjoy what she did for a living. She worked hard and did her best to succeed every day. Her primary occupation was supervisor - in the tool and parts department. She was employed for 38 years by Tomadur Engine Company/Tracy Industries. Margaret tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing her will on others.

Margaret enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were Las Vegas, Camping, Fishing, Softball, Bunco and Motorcycle trips. Margaret was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. She was relaxed in her approach to her leisure time because she wanted to savor the present moment.

Margaret liked sports. Recreational sports included softball, zumba and walking. Margaret was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were basball (Angels) and football (Broncos).

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 Moose Lodge. She had a tendency to bring peace to her relationships by avoiding disagreements.

Margaret was a woman who took pride in upholding her beliefs. So it’s little wonder that she took an active role in her community. A loyal contributor, Margaret was comfortable in the role of a team player. Margaret was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the City of Hope Walk for Cancer. Margaret was able to serve her community well, thanks to her open mind and faithful commitment.

Margaret’s faith was important to her. She was a member of the Catholic Church. Margaret's passionate commitment to upholding her values placed her at home in her religion, where she took comfort in the company of others who believed as she did.

Because she loved the world around her, Margaret enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for her to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Margaret put her personal trademark on any leisure planning that she undertook. Favorite vacations included San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Oregon, New Mexico, California Coast, Yosemite, Yellowstone camping.

Margaret was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Margaret’s favorites was Amber (Amberlita) Chow/Husky Mix. They were best friends for 10 years. Her family was rounded out by her dogs Primo, Chubs and Rotney.

Margaret passed away on July 13, 2012 at Citrus Valley Hospice. She is survived by her loving family. Services were held at St. Christopher Catholic Church. Margaret was laid to rest in Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Rowland Heights, California.

Margaret was a good woman, a kind woman, and a practical woman who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. She leaves behind her a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Margaret always had much to give and was able to make those connections in her life where her gifts were appreciated. Margaret was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Margaret Paz.