Margaret Z. Velasquez

Margaret Z. Velasquez, the first of six children, passed away on April 13th 2013 surrounded by her family in her home, at the age of 83. She was born on December 15, 1929 in Stockton, California to late Clifford and Vicenta Rodriguez. She was a member of St. Gertrude’s Catholic Church. She attended Fair Oaks Grammar School, Franklin High School, San Joaquin Delta College and University of California, Berkeley & UC Davis. She was employed by San Joaquin County and retired after thirty-six years of service, while working as a Community Center Director. In retirement, gardening and traveling abroad were her foremost personal interests, though she had many. In addition to her parents, she preceded in death by long life companion Louis Ramirez and her former husband Alejandro Velasquez, two siblings, Ernesto Rodriguez and Carmen Cobarrubias. Survivors include her daughters and son, Esther Tankersely and her husband, Bill; Joe Velasquez and his wife, Vivian; Rosie Fox and her husband, Tom (Harvey); Carmen Guerrero and her husband, Frank Sr.; Margaret Velasquez, and Mary L. Velasquez. Her uncle, Julio Zaragoza, two brothers, Robert Rodriguez, Sr., David Rodriguez, and sister, Sally Cobarrubias, further survive her. In addition to her children, she leaves behind a strong legacy through her ten grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends will miss her dearly. Margaret had a million dollar personality. She was a loving mother and hard worker. Her generosity in meeting the needs of friends and neighbors at points of challenge is well known. When she had time to give, Margaret focused on community, giving time and financial support to many causes. She had a positive influence on the Latino community and an even greater influence on her family and made them a priority throughout her life. She will always be remembered as a loving and compassionate person, an active community leader and volunteer and she was also a member of the California Rural Legal Assistance board of directors, volunteer for AARP; LULAC organization. She will be remembered as a devoted Mother, Companion, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, Godmother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Friend. Rosary will be held at Frisbie-Warren & Carroll 809 N. California St., on Thursday, April 18 at 6pm. Visitation will be from 4pm to 8pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael’s Church at 9am, with burial to follow at the San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery.