Margaret Macias

Margaret Macias, passed away on November 18th, the same day she came into this world. Dr. Margaret Macias was born to Leonard and Julia Vega on November 18, 1944. Margaret was the youngest of six children, Lucy, Arthur, Leonard, David, and Louie. Margaret grew up in one of South Phoenix’s oldest “barrios,” Golden Gate. Margaret was proud of her culture and her community. She never forgot her roots and emphasized her pride in Latino culture to her family.

Margaret was a product of the Phoenix community. She was educated and spent her career in Phoenix. Margaret graduated from Phoenix Union High School and received her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, a Masters in Counseling, and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership.

Margaret served in several roles while in education. She was one of the founding members of Paradise Valley Community College and served as Program Advisor and Director of Financial Aid. Margaret worked at Gateway Community College as a Bilingual teacher. She worked at Phoenix College as a Counselor and was elected and served as Chair of the Counseling department for eight years. She retired from the Maricopa Community College District after 24 years and was awarded Faculty Emeritus Status.

Dr. Margaret Macias was a staunch Chicana activist, having served as president of AACHE (Arizona Association for Chicanos in Higher Education). She always fought for people of color to be treated equally and given the same opportunities as others. Dr. Macias was also engaged within her community, having run for and being elected to serve on the Phoenix Elementary School District #1 in 1997.

Dr. Margaret Macias retired from Phoenix College, and Maricopa Community College District in 2006. For the rest of her life, Margaret devoted her time to family, friends, and golf. The most important thing in life to Margaret was her relationships with all her family members. She loved her grandchildren to no end, and Margaret was always happiest when helping family. Margaret had many friends, and she was always doing something with them, traveling, golfing or just getting together for cards. Margaret’s love for golf was well known. She was an avid golfer and would try to golf with her friends whenever she could.

Margaret Macias was the matriarch of the Macias/Vega families and left behind many grandchildren. Margaret is survived by her partner Sally, sons Leonard, and daughter-in-law Rosalie, son Alex and daughter-in-law Marisol, grandchildren, Andrea and her husband Ray, Alex Macias Jr., grandchildren Isaac, Deanna, great-grandson Joell, nephews Frank, Reuben, Steve and his wife Liz, nieces, Gloria, Kristi and her husband Joe, Lizzie, Irene, and Andrea.

A memorial service for Margaret will be held Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. at A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Mortuaries, 710 West Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013.