Margarita "Maggie" Vizcarra

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Margarita Vizcarra who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical, realistic, ha an infectious personality. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with high morals, Maggie was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Maggie knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

Maggie was born on December 20, 1988 at Rosewood Woman’s Hospital in Houston, Texas. Her parents were Heriberto Vizcarra Jr. father, Margarita Rodriguez Vizcarra. Maggie was raised in Houston and spent many summers with her mom’s family in Matehuala, San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Even as a youngster, Maggie learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life but was outspoken and and will question everything until confirmed.

As a young girl, Maggie was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a born leader of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Maggie was the only child her first cousins Monica and Sarah were like her sisters. She was also close with her cousins in Mexico. Maggie had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Maggie, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced. Her great since of humor allow her maintain a great relationship with her grandparents.

Maggie's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Maggie enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Maggie played basketball and was an active member of the National honors society. In her spare time she liked writing, reading, coloring, painting, but most of all she loved her plants.

In school, Maggie was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Maggie was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. Maggie’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” She graduated from Northbrook High School in 2013. Her favorite class in high school was English, History, and Government and she graduated 10% of her class. Received a full scholarship to Texas A & M University.

Maggie’s practical work ethic carried over into her college years. Her logical mind permitted her to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. She would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Maggie’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped her stay on track but often put her ahead of schedule. When Maggie saw the need or benefit, she would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. Her interest to guide all students to achieve higher educational and personal goals were clearly known. She spent numerous time researching to help all students, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Some of her most prestigious awards included Loyola University Cultural and Educational Policy Studies Alumni Award. While attending Texas A&M University, she received several scholarships and received awards from National College Advising Corps, Foundation Excellence Award and Texas College Access Advisor award.

Maggie was in the process of completing her Ph.D. In Education, Society, and Culture, at the University of California, Riverside. She also pursued graduate school, earning her Master’s at on Cultural and Education Policy Studies at Loyola University in Chicago. Her thesis: “Creating a New Mythis: Reassessing Race Standards and Latina/o Students”. Her time was spent Mentoring high school students to attend college, planed informational sessions for parents of first generation college students, presented at several local and national conferences and published research, she was a professor, motivational speaker and a fighter for equality. Maggie co-founded The Latino Caucus at Evanston Township High School in Chicago, coordinated the Latinx Summit, event of the Social Consciousness Series.

Maggie was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Maggie was a member of a group, her interaction worked to keep the others grounded. She wasn’t afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, she challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Maggie came to expect her high standards of performance. While growing up, some of her best friends were Jose, Chad, Sara, many friends from high school and college. Later in life, she became friends with Sara, Arian, Cody, Maggie has too many friends to name.

An objective and conscientious individual, Maggie reveled in the security of her family. One of Maggie’s many qualities was her great since of humor and the way she supported and respected her mother. Maggie upheld her standards. Her primary occupation was educator, motivational speaker, activist, counselor, inspiring students.

She was employed to develop graduate programs and professor assistant, Chicano Student Program at University of California, Riverside. She was an Academic Advisor at Evanston Township High School, Evanston, IL. a College Advisor, Texas A&M University, Aldine High.

Maggie approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were reading, writing, plants, research. Maggie was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. She also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching football especially Texas A&M teams.

Faith was important for Maggie, she was a member of St. Jerome Catholic Church, and attended Spanish mass with her mother often. Mainly she loved to attend the traditional Christmas mass in Katy , Texas with her grandma after making and eating tamales. She liked the Spanish Christmas music.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Maggie used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Maggie had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Some of her trips included Spain, Rome, Mexico, and Guatemala.

Maggie was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Maggie’s favorites was Oliver a cat; They were best friends. She would speak to him in Spanish and called him “Oliveiro”.

Maggie passed away on November 16, 2020 at Houston, Texas. Because of lack of mental health support from the health care system. She is survived by parents and a numerous family. Services were held at Saint Bartholomew Catholic Church in Katy Texas and was laid to rest in Brookshire Cemetery.

All who knew her would agree that Maggie was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Margarita Vizcarra did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.

OBITUARY:

Margarita is survived by her mother, Margarita Vizcarra Rodriguez; her father, Heriberto Vizcarra; her grandmother, Elvira Vizcarra; her aunt and uncle; Connie and Daniel Alfaro, and numerous other members of the Rodrigues and Vizcarra families.

Margarita “Maggie” Vizcarra was born on December 20th, 1988, in Houston, Texas. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.A. in Political Science and went on to pursue a master’s degree at Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois. There she earned an M.A. in Cultural and Educational Policy Studies with a thesis on “Creating a New Mythos”: Reassessing Race Standards in Latina/o Students. While in Chicago, she continued to empower people of color, fight for social justice, and combat oppression. Margarita was unapologetically truthful and could light up any dark room with her infectious personality. She published research, organized, and presented at several conferences. She never stopped fighting for the Latinx community. Margarita was in the process of completing her Ph.D. at the University of California, Riverside.

Margarita was a sister, a leader, an activist, a counselor, a professor, and a revolutionary woman. She impacted more lives in 31 years than many will influence in a lifetime. She changed minds, organized protests, and inspired people to leave the world better than they found it. The sky has gained a bright star. The hearts of those who knew her will forever be changed.

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Margarita is survived by her mother, Margarita Vizcarra Rodriguez; her father, Heriberto Vizcarra; her grandmother, Elvira Vizcarra; her aunt and uncle; Connie and Daniel Alfaro, and numerous other members of the Rodrigues and Vizcarra families.

Margarita “Maggie” Vizcarra was born on December 20th, 1988, in Houston, Texas. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.A. in Political Science and went on to pursue a master’s degree at Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois. There she earned an M.A. in Cultural and Educational Policy Studies with a thesis on “Creating a New Mythos”: Reassessing Race Standards in Latina/o Students. While in Chicago, she continued to empower people of color, fight for social justice, and combat oppression. Margarita was unapologetically truthful and could light up any dark room with her infectious personality. She published research, organized, and presented at several conferences. She never stopped fighting for the Latinx community. Margarita was in the process of completing her Ph.D. at the University of California, Riverside.

Margarita was a sister, a leader, an activist, a counselor, a professor, and a revolutionary woman. She impacted more lives in 31 years than many will influence in a lifetime. She changed minds, organized protests, and inspired people to leave the world better than they found it. The sky has gained a bright star. The hearts of those who knew her will forever be changed.

The family of Margarita appreciates your kind expressions of sympathy in their loss. Your thoughts and stories are greatly appreciated. Thank you.