Margarita Virginia Westberg

She was born to Alexandra and Eugene Hotovitsky. She along with her brother Mark and sister Gail were raised in a loving family.

Margarita's passion for gardening filled her days with joy and vibrant blossoms. Her journals were rich with the tales of flowers and vegetables, and updates on how well everything grew that particular season and, in recent times, she had begun cultivating her affinity for orchids.

She was an avid reader and completed nearly an entire book per day. She also loved her crosswords and listening to the “Ron and Don” talk show. She loved Joel Olsteen’s sermons, she never missed watching a Seahawks game and cheering on the team. She enjoyed going to Golden Gardens Beach and spending a relaxing summers day there, and was crazy…and I mean crazy for dark chocolate. Her kitchen was where magic happened; her family waited eagerly for the delicious Christmas Sugar cookies that became a beloved tradition. She also created and lovingly shared many traditional Russian dishes and baked delights. An accomplished violinist, Margarita enriched her children’s lives with the sounds and joy of music, fostering an appreciation for arts and cultures from a young age.

A proud alumna of Roosevelt High School, and a graduate with a BA from the University of Washington. Margarita was an advocate for cultural diversity and understanding, opening her children’s world to a myriad of traditions and beliefs. Her dedication to activism resonated through her affiliations with the Leche League, the Welfare Rights Organization, and her unwavering support and camaraderie with the Black Panthers.

Despite financial constraints as a single mother, Margarita’s resourcefulness knew no bounds. Her unwavering commitment to enriching her children's lives led her to volunteer at the Seattle Opera and Pacific Northwest Ballet, ensuring they experienced the magic of live performances. She also made it possible for her children, Michael and Leda, to receive exemplary preschool education through volunteerism at the school.

In her lifelong pursuit of spiritual enlightenment, she immersed her children in a rich tapestry of religious traditions. Honoring God by showing deep respect for all faiths, she attended her families path with the Greek Orthodox Church, and later converted the family to Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and engaged with the evangelical church. Additionally, she embraced Rastafarian traditions, believing in the unity and beauty of diverse paths to the divine. Her open-hearted approach to spirituality was a testament to her boundless love and respect for people of all beliefs.

She was a compassionate soul who, despite the world's flaws, always endeavored to see the good in others.

Margarita's loving presence extended into her later years through her adoration for her grandchildren — Naione, Reina, Samaya, and Adelaide. Her heart swelled with pride at their achievements, and she cherished each moment spent with them. She kept every little craft and picture they gave her and meticulously saved all of the photos she had of their growing up years, she was so glad to have them in her life on a regular basis. The birth of her great-grandson West, marked a new chapter of joy in her life, and her love for him was boundless. Not always do grandparents live to see great grandchildren come into the world and she just cherished him.

Margarita’s cat, “Baby” who provided her with endless companionship and comfort in her later years. Baby’s gentle purrs and affectionate nature filled Margarita’s life with joy and solace.

A devoted mother, grandmother, and cherished friend, Margarita's endearing and gentle spirit leaves an enduring mark on all who knew her. She is survived by her daughter Leda (Terry) and her son Michael. Her grandchildren; Naione, Reina, Samaya, and Adelaide and Aidan and great grandson West, her sister Gail, nephew Mark and niece Stacey and her entire extended Liester family.

She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

The family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate Margarita’s remarkable life, on Wednesday February 26, 2025, 11:00 AM at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home.