Margarita Emilia Jácome passed away peacefully in her sleep on 29 May 2020. An accomplished equestrian, former ballerina and owner of Jacome’s Pet Care in Green Valley, she was an esteemed member of a Southern Arizona pioneer family. Her strength of heart during her 82-year life in the Old Pueblo was well-known and cherished by those who loved her. She exhibited a quiet nature, demonstrated considerable artistic talent and had a quirky sense of humor.
She was born in Tucson to Alejandro G. and Estela Valles de Jacome on 17 November 1937. Her delivery was attended by her maternal grandfather, Dr. Federico Valles. Margarita was predeceased by her parents, and her nephew, Gilberto A. Jacome, as well as her maternal uncle Federico G. Valles.
Margarita graduated from Salpointe High School in 1956 after attending Saints Peter & Paul Elementary School. Her work experience included a variety of positions at the family-owned Jácome’s Department Store, Inc., including: receptionist, switch board operator, and credit manager. She also served in clerical positions at the Tucson Museum of Art, University of Arizona and Pima Community College. As a professional ballerina, she performed with the San Francisco Ballet Company in the 1960s.
She is survived by her brothers Felipe C. Jácome (Karen C.) and Alejandro F. Jácome (Ruthann B.). She particularly enjoyed her two surviving nieces: Natalie Johnske (David), Suzanne Jácome, and nephews Alex J. and Federico Jacome, as well as her cousins in Green Valley, David and Joy Jácome. Many more cousins in California, Kansas, Washington state, and beyond will miss her.
The great enthusiasms in her life were her pets – especially her cats and horses, as well as ballet, wild animals, classical music and the visual arts. Well-traveled, Margarita accompanied her parents to Europe and Latin America for pleasure and on buying trips for Jácome’s Department Store, founded by her paternal grandfather, Carlos C. Jacome in 1896.
Her artistic talent, empathy for animals and willingness to help others will be missed by a grateful family and her many friends. Margarita’s personal philanthropies included the Community Food Bank, The Salvation Army, Green Valley Animal League, Heifer International and various animal rescue and rehabilitation organizations.
Her grateful family acknowledges the compassionate support and excellent care provided by the professional caregivers at the Starfish Care Home at Indian Ridge, and especially, Ms. Diane Salebra of Casa de La Luz Hospice for their professional and considerate assistance to Margarita in her last days.
A private celebration of Margarita’s life will be scheduled in the coming months.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18