Margaret Frances Goldau

Margaret Frances (Martin) Goldau passed away at the age of 79 on September 21, 2024 after a bravely fought cancer battle and surrounded by the love of family at her home in San Diego, CA. She was born on July 19, 1945, in Pasadena, CA to parents Norman Francis & Coretta Graham Martin. Margaret's life was marked by her warmth and kindness, endearing personality and class, infectious smile, and profound love for her family and friends near and far. She was an endless student who soaked up every piece of history and culture she could along her many travels and adventures across the world. When her health permitted, you could find Margaret at social gatherings, warmly meeting old and new friends and always taking turns on the dance floor. She embraced each person she met with open arms, effortlessly finding connections and making everyone feel appreciated. Margaret truly left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

As a child, Margaret’s family moved from California to San Antonio, TX where she graduated from Incarnate Word High School. Her adventurous spirit led her to study as a foreign exchange student in Saltillo, Mexico. She began her college career with an academic scholarship to the University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX and transferred her junior year to the University of Texas in Austin to join her sister, where they proudly pledged as legacies to the sorority Alpha Chi Omega. She spent her college summers studying in Mexico City and Guadalajara, increasing her fluency and appreciation for the language and culture. After earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas, she went on to receive her master’s at Trinity University in San Antonio, ultimately achieving her Doctorate of Education from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX.

Margaret began her teaching career as a Spanish professor at St. Phillip’s College in San Antonio, where she quickly advanced to head the foreign language department. She took a pause from teaching and continued her educational pursuits with a federal grant to study in Valencia, Spain. Upon returning to San Antonio, she embraced a new challenge by producing and hosting "Adelante," a Spanish and English public affairs TV program on WOAI TV, an NBC affiliate. She interviewed guests on informative topics to help enrich the daily lives of Latin-American citizens.

When her college sweetheart returned from military service in Vietnam, they married on May 28, 1971 at the Parker Chapel at Trinity University, marking the start of their beautiful family. After a few years, they welcomed their son and moved from San Antonio to Dallas, TX, where Margaret transitioned into a career as an account executive with AT&T. Their corporate journey then took them to St. Louis, MO, where their daughter was born, before moving back to Dallas. Eventually, they settled in the suburb of Flower Mound, TX, where Margaret returned to teaching Spanish to high school students, and they enjoyed a decade raising their children into adulthood.

For their next chapter, Margaret and her husband returned to her roots in Southern California. In San Diego, she dedicated her time giving back to the community, volunteering with the Mission Beach Women’s Club, serving as a Spanish translator at Birthline, and staying actively involved as an alumna of Alpha Chi Omega. Over the years, they celebrated the weddings of their children, embraced new adventures traveling abroad, and attended charitable gatherings.

Margaret affectionately became known as “Honey” as they welcomed five beautiful grandchildren who enriched their lives. She and her husband frequently returned to Texas to visit family and reconnect with friends.

Margaret leaves a permanent place in the hearts of her loving husband of 53 years, Konrad “Gus” Goldau, son Alex Goldau (wife Hannia,) daughter Laura Murray (husband Jacob,) and her five treasured grandchildren Bannon, Baines, Leighton, Wolf, and Luna. She was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Coretta Martin, and her sister, Kathleen Martin Watson. Margaret’s life was a beautiful blend of cherished family, friendships, community involvement, and a thirst for knowledge, always accompanied by exciting plans for the next adventure.

A funeral service and reception to celebrate Margaret’s life will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Parish of Ocean Beach on Monday, November 25, 2024 at 11 AM. A private burial will take place on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, CA.

Flowers and condolences may be offered at Sacred Heart of Ocean Beach, located at 4776 Saratoga Avenue, San Diego, CA 92107. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Margaret’s honor to Birthline of San Diego at https://www.birthlineofsandiego.org.