Dr. Margarita (Maggie) Arruza passed away on September 14th, 2021. She was born in Cuba to Dr. Guillermo and Margarita Solis Arruza. She moved to Madrid, Spain at an early age and completed medical school at the University of Madrid Medical School. She moved to the United States and was licensed in California and following a residency in the Chicago Medical Examiner’s Office she continued in forensic pathology acquiring board certification in anatomical, clinical, and forensic pathology. She came to Jacksonville in 1989 and served in the Fourth Judicial District of the Medical Examiner’s Office for 21 years ending as Chief Medical Examiner.
She reached the height of her career receiving many accolades but will be best remembered as a very warm, caring and generous person. She will be missed by many. She enjoyed traveling with her husband John and many years of tennis with her friend, Barbara Nuernberger. She loved movies, reading, and music. She had an adventurous spirit and loved to try new things, and learn new things. She was a woman of deep faith and loved the Lord with all her heart. She served always… professionally and privately, always honoring the Lord with her best efforts. She loved children and had many God children that spent many summers with her.
She is survived by her husband John Patrich of Jacksonville Beach, Florida; a sister Maria-Thresa (Maite) of Madrid, Spain; step sons John Patrich III (wife Sarah), and Kevin Patrich (wife Brandi); and 3 grandchildren Claire, Ben, and Owen.
The family asks in lieu of flowers that a generous donations be made to the childcancerfund.org of Jacksonville in her name.
Arrangement are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME In Jacksonville Beach FL.
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