Margaret A. Baptista

Born Margarita Augustine Villalpondo on August 28, 1918 in Fresno, Maggie was raised in San Joaquin and attended High School in Tranquillity where she was the editor of the school yearbook. As a young woman, she was honored during Fresno's Mexican Independence Day festivities by being crowned Queen of September the 16th. It was not long after, she met the love of her life, George Baptista. They were married March 13, 1941 and celebrated 68 years of marriage.

Maggie was the consummate homemaker. No visitor to her home left with an empty belly. An avid gardener, Maggie was most proud of her beautiful roses and hydrangea and took pride in her ability to grow anything. Maggie loved life and found humor in every situation which endeared her to everyone she met.

The family is forever grateful to the staff at Northwest Care Home for the attention and love they showered upon Maggie in the last few years of her life.

She was greeted in heaven on November 23, 2012 by her husband; her parents; sisters; brother; and grandsons, Leonard Jr. and Steven Baptista.

She is survived by her daughters, Fran and her partner Seve, Linda and her husband Art; sons, Leonard and John and his wife Eleanor; six grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

Recitation of the Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church on Thursday, November 29, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to Hinds Hospice in appreciation of the support and strength they gave in our time of need.