Margaret J. Placek

This is the story of an incredible San Antonio woman. Born on August 7, 1939 in San Antonio, Texas, Margaret Johnson Placek, daughter and eighth child of Diana T. Johnson and Charles Johnson (retired TEC-4, US Army). Margaret (age 76) is survived by her oldest brother Charles "Charlie" Johnson (Jr) now 90 years old. She had 6 older siblings; Charles "Charlie", Dolly Catherine, Frederico Adolfo, Margaret Alicia, Alice, and Adolph "Johnny" Johnson. Frederico and Margaret Alicia died as infants and another unnamed child died at birth. Margaret also had one younger sister; Mildred, and a tenth pregnancy ended prematurely through miscarriage. All total, Margaret was one of six fellow siblings that matured to appreciate a full adulthood, each starting their own families.

She is survived by her children: Robert J. DeLeon Jr. and wife Caroline, Richard J. DeLeon and wife Olga, Ralph J. DeLeon and wife Edna, Renee D. Sanchez and husband Antonio, Walter C. Placek and wife Mandy, Jennilyn A. Campos and husband Richard. Grandchildren: Emily C. Bryand, Eric C. Barrientes and wife Roxanne, Rebecca P. DeLeon, Adalyn R. Campos and Aiden L. Campos. Great Grandchildren: Eric Barrientes II, Ella R. Martinez, Navea C. Barrientes, Sophia N. Vullo and Noah A. Barrientes.

Visitation will be on Friday, November 6, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a memorial service from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Porter Loring on McCullough Ave.

Margaret had a miraculous life and successfully lived the American dream, with a tireless work ethic and an unwavering dedication to all she undertook. She was born of a father that hailed from Falun, Sweden by way of Canada (Charles), and a Spanish-Mexican mother (Diana) from Monterrey, Mexico. Surviving the Great Depression and World War II, Margaret experienced early trauma when her dad, Charlie, died when she was only 10 years old. Margaret and brother, Charlie Jr, Catherine and Mildred temporarily moved twice to Michigan for migratory work in fields to harvest cherries, cucumbers, potatoes and apples from the orchards.

Margaret returned to San Antonio and eventually earned her High School GED and began her college studies. In 1955, at the young age of 15 (albeit very experienced and well-traveled), she married Robert L. DeLeon and immediately began her young family. Robert was born in 1955, Richard in 1957, Ralph in 1959, and Renee in 1963. In 1976, Margaret and Robert Sr. DeLeon amicably parted ways. After a couple years she married Richard T. Placek in 1977, who had already served a military career in the US Air Force. They met at work through School employment associations. Soon after marriage to Richard, Margaret began, and extended, her family by giving birth to son, Walter Charles Placek, in 1979, and Jennilyn Alicia Placek in 1981. Margaret was very proud of each of her children, as each would obtain a Degree or multiple Degrees and professional certifications. While Margaret's start in life was difficult, she enjoyed knowing all her children were highly successful.

Margaret was raised early in her youth with a strong indoctrination in Christianity, going to church as devout Christian with her sister, Mildred. Later, she centered herself within the Baptist faith and attended many Churches over time. Margaret would raise all her children; Robert, Richard, Ralph, Renee, Walter and Jennilyn as Christians. Margaret eventually became a non-denomination Christian, centering all her faith, hope, love and soul in belief that Jesus Christ was her Savior. Margaret strived hard to be a good and righteous person in her actions always, and in taking care of all her family and friends, often helping people, even some unsavory downtrodden ones that she did not know. Margaret was an avid contributor to various non-profit religious and social services agencies such as the United Way, Disabled Veterans Association, Red Cross and Salvation Army.

Margaret was an amazing woman starting her career at the Good Samaritan Center, ages 10-12 and helping nurses and doctors, and aiding with the social services and activities for the young, elderly and poor. Perfectly fluent in Spanish and English, Margaret served as translator for everyone. It would be the nurses and a Doctor from the Center that would one day walk to Margaret's home nearby to help with the birth at home for Margaret's second born, Richard, when she was 17. In those difficult times, Margaret and her husband Robert would move rapidly about 6 to 7 times within the first years. Margaret later worked at TexAce Manufacturing, known for manufacturing specialized caps and uniforms for a variety of Industries and the commercial sector. Her husband Robert worked with his father as a mechanic, and later helping Grandpa DeLeon in a franchise-owner and operator of a Texaco Service Station.

Once her children entered kindergarten and elementary, Margaret took on a career in the Educational sector and began supporting all aspects of PTA. In 1963/64, Margaret moved the family to their first and permanent home at Winnipeg Ave. She would eventually work at Graebner Elementary, Rhodes Middle School, Lowell Jr High, Navarro Academy, Luther Burbank and Highlands High Schools in the capacity of staff, teacher, counselor and registrar. And of course she was the room mother for all her children's classes, helping each teacher with extracurricular activities. She remained highly active in all aspects of PTA, eventually serving as PTA President at each school, and simultaneously supporting the schools of all her children. She became an expert parliamentarian, and many would call on her for classes on Robert's Rules of Order which aided many school's PTA meetings to follow correct procedures. Margaret was the Program Lead for many profitable school carnivals and Grandma Johnson would also help. This was akin to when Grandma Johnson used to take Margaret to help military troops at the downtown USO during World War II. She eventually arose to the position of PTA President of the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD), at that time, one of the largest school districts in Texas. She also worked in the SAISD Headquarters Data Services Office. She gained many accolades in her career, traveled far and built a wide network of friends and colleagues across Texas and at National Conventions in several States. She was awarded and lauded by many schools in Banquets and Conventions; honored as recipient of the Texas Certified Member and National Life Membership, Texas Life Extended Awards and numerous other Service Awards. Margaret was also a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians, Notary Public of Bexar County and the State, TSTA/NEA, SAISD Educational Support Personnel Founder and Officer and the Texas Educators Support Personnel.

Throughout her life, Margaret was actively engaged in all her children's activities,, serving and leading in many social service organizations. Margaret was the "soccer mom" of her time, the ultimate multi-tasker, driving each child to/from scouting meetings. Margaret enjoyed the years she served as Den Mother for the Cub Scout Den for her sons. Margaret made Boy Scout Troop and Patrol flags, a backpack from canvas for Robert Jr. and worked many summer-camp projects with her sons.

Margaret supported her children in all sports and extra-curricular activities at school or in the community. Each son played Little League, and Ralph and Richard played Pony and Colt Leagues, which required going in three different directions for practices and games. Margaret also served as the President of the Women's Auxiliary for each League, active in fundraisers (such as annual parades and picnics at Mission County Park), hosting meetings, and working concession stands. She was awarded by the Leagues for her dedicated service during those years. Margaret was also quite the "lioness" and undaunted if anyone dare offend her children in any way. She would react with boldness and strength.

Margaret was also an expert seamstress and would provide help anyone that needed clothes tailoring and/or repair. She was very charitable when it came to helping others, often putting them first. Margaret would often take on an incredible amount and scope of work. Margaret would sew wedding dresses virtually for free. She once took on and succeeded at the challenge of simultaneously sewing dresses for two entire Debut events (or Quinceañeras); which included sewing the debutant's dress and ten other matching dresses for both events. During the High School years of her children, in the 1970s she sewed and embroidered many artistic denim and cotton shirts.

Margaret could walk into any room or hall and make an entrance and get attention. She was always joyful with an infectious smile and laugh. Margaret was always very happy, acknowledging everyone, shaking hands and giving bear hugs galore. Margaret could have served on City Council, or as a community level politician. Margaret was an organizer, a leader of people, organizations and communities. Yet while she never ran for office, she thought about it, but that would be a hill too high to climb given her family's resources. Margaret did work with others, like her friend Aida in many fundraisers at Mission County Park and at Headquarters, and for posting campaign signs for Texas Senator and US Congressman Henry B. Gonzales and his Aide and later US Representative Albert Bustamante, and others. Democrats always looked for Margaret to buy a campaign sign to post on her lawn. Eventually much of her hard work led Henry B. Gonzales to appoint son Robert Jr. to the US Army Academy at West Point. Everyone is very proud that Margaret was able to fund the travel of the entire family to New York for Robert Jr's West Point graduation. Margaret traveled on many sightseeing trips across the United States and for conferences and conventions.

Margaret served as nurse and primary healthcare provider in her home in 1968-69 for her aging father-in-law, Alfonso DeLeon, until right before his death. Margaret also took care of her sister, Catherine, for several months until she recovered from her illness. She also took care of her mother for over a decade until her death in Margaret's home. Margaret also experienced the trials and tribulations of her husband, Richard, getting sick and eventually passing away at home. Richard Placek was honored with the 21 gun salute and buried at Ft. Sam Houston, nearby Grandma and Grandpa Johnson. Margaret received her husband's US flag that was draped over his casket after full military ceremonial honors. Margaret has been there for so many people, always giving and providing comfort whenever it was needed.

While Margaret did lots of traveling through the States, and to Mexico and Canada, she would never live further than 10 miles from any place she ever lived at. Margaret loved living in San Antonio, Texas.

Margaret passed away in her sleep on October 30th, though it was official by nurse declaring it at 12:30am, October 31, 2015. Margaret suffered several ailments due to cortisone steroid injections for lower back disc injury incurred in playing softball during the 1960's and 70's. She played in softball leagues, sometimes on same team as her sister Mildred. Margaret was the cleanup power hitter that could put it over the lights at Concepcion Park – a sight enjoyed by her children. But this activity eventually had to stop as she was nearing 40 years old.

Margaret struggled through the last couple of years on different daily medications to sustain some quality of life. But recently, the positive effects of the medicines declined as her organs continued to deteriorate. In 2014, it was only for health reasons that Margaret was unable to support PTA and school events, after amassing 50 years of continuous service.

Margaret was relentless not to lose the fight, but her body and organs eventually failed her and she succumbed. She had been in hospice care at home for several months, where her daughter Jennilyn and son-in-law (Richard Campos), and several nurses provided as much comfort as possible. Jenni and Richard had sustained the majority of care for Margaret over the years. Jenni has said she would do it all again without hesitation, for love of mom. In all the sadness, there is some comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering and is in Heaven with our Lord and Savior. Throughout her entire life, Margaret was an exceptional woman of love and integrity first, character, strength, drive, charity and goodwill to all. Margaret is probably the most joyful person anyone could meet --living and loving life to its fullest. She loved all her children and grandchildren, family and many, many friends.

If you were blessed with the opportunity of knowing Margaret you would know that she always told people when they would first visit her home, "you only walk in my door a stranger once, when you walk out you are family."

Visitation will be on Friday, November 6, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a memorial service from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Porter Loring on McCullough.