Margaret Theresa St. Louis, known as Margie, was born in Fresno California on July 7, 1944. Surrounded by her loved ones, she died peacefully on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the age of 81 in Fresno. She was raised by her paternal grandparents but still maintained a close relationship with her father and his family.
Margie had 2 great passions in her life, the first was her family. The love for her family was boundless and selfless. She spent many years as a stay-at-home Mom taking great care of her husband and 3 children as well as spending time with her many sisters. She was the “favorite” Aunt for many of her dozens of nieces and nephews, and her home was often full of visiting family as well as the neighborhood kids. As her children grew up, her home became a second home for many of their friends as she always provided a loving and welcoming space for all who entered it. Later, when her grandchildren started to arrive, they were her pride and joy. Seldom was there a time when Margie didn’t act out of love for others, be it human or animal. Over the years she had many pets that she loved and cared for like her own children.
Her second great passion in life was sewing. She was known throughout her community for her beautiful work, and she created many dresses for weddings, proms, graduations, baby pageants and even the occasional funeral. Her creativity was boundless and she was often able to modify patterns to provide her “client” with exactly what they were dreaming of. She never said no to family or friends who were in need and often juggled many projects at the same time. There was no job that was too big or too small. Never did a week go by without someone stopping by for a last-minute alteration, hemming or some sort of garment fix.
When her children were older, Margie began to work for FUSD as an ESL tutor and interpreter where she was loved by all and made many great friends. In her 37 years in this position, she left behind a legacy of students who were touched by her kindness, compassion, patience and encouragement. She often met students years later who recognized her after many years and thanked her for how she impacted their lives.
Margie will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her well, especially her immediate and extended family which includes a multitude of nieces, nephews, God children and cousins.
Margaret was preceded in death by her husband Gregory; parents, Rita and Encarnacion Baeza; her father, Rudy Martinez and her step mother Dora; her sisters, Beulah Velasco, Bertha Savala, Mercy Gonzalez and Mary Leon and their husbands Manuel, Gilbert [known as Jimmy], Alfonso and Albert; her brother George and his wife Rosemary; and her half siblings, Cindy and Frank.
Margie is survived by her loving children Angela, Stephanie, and Christopher; her grandchildren, Jessica, Sidney, Diana, Max, Elijah and Skylar; her great granddaughter, Ellie; her sisters, Rosemary, Irene, Eva, Gloria and Pauline; and her brother Robert.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, located at 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720.
A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will follow at 6:00 p.m. at the same location.
The Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Church, 2838 N. West Ave., Fresno, CA 93705.
The Committal Service will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at San Joaquín Valley National Cemetery, 32053 McCabe Rd., Santa Nella, CA 95322.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the St. Louis family.
