Margarita (Margaret) Diaz Gonzalez

Birth: February 13, 1926 | Died: January 14, 2023

Margarita (Margaret) Gonzalez was a lifelong resident of Placentia and active volunteer with St. Joseph’s Catholic Church till her passing on January 14, 2023, after 96 years and 11 months at her home. Her family was by her side.

Margarita was born in Placentia on February 13, 1926, to Jose and Francisca Diaz. Jose was born near Purandiro, Michoacan, Mexico. Jose emigrated to the US around 1911 and worked in New York State, eventually marrying his wife Francisca in Purandiro and settling in Placentia. Together, they raised four children: James Salvador, Antonia (Toni), Margarita and Jose Enrique (Henry). Margarita attended Chapman School completing 6th grade around 1937. Margarita then attended St. Mary’s Catholic School for 7th and 8 grades, then graduated in 1946 from Marywood High School in Anaheim. Margarita then attended Fullerton College graduating in 1948. Margarita recalled volunteering with the war effort, helping at Port of Long Beach embarking seaman shipping out overseas. Her two brothers, James Salvador and Henry, served in US Army and US Navy respectively. Margarita worked at McCoy Mills Ford and later Cone Chevrolet car dealerships in Fullerton. Margarita continued working at Cone Chevrolet well into her 70’s.

Margaret and Rosalio Gonzalez were married on June 18, 1950. They were married 61 years till his passing in 2011. Margaret and Rosalio enjoyed traveling to Latin America, Holy Land, China, all over Europe and Russia as well as the countries boarding the Mediterranean Sea. After Rosalio’s passing, Margaret would travel with her granddaughter Andrea to Mexico and Canada. Margarita always enjoyed her glass of wine, especially dining out with her friends and relatives. Margarita always made time to visit with her grandchildren, taking them to Disneyland and Seaworld, traveling to visit them. Margarita welcomed her great-grandchildren to the family joyfully.

Margarita was an active volunteer with St. Joseph’s Church, serving as a member and then vice-president of the Women’s Club. Margarita also served as one of the coordinators of St. Vincent De Paul Society weekly food and clothing distribution for over 3 decades, dedicating countless hours every week to assist families in need of the parish and community. For many years, Margarita assisted with St. Vincent de Paul’s annual toy giveaway at Christmas for children in need. Margarita served as a lector and Eucharistic minister for many years in the parish as well as an active volunteer with any event the parish sponsored. Margarita was an active member of Sociedad Progresita Mexicana Logia #33 since 1975, which raised money for scholarships and held many events and dances all over California.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband Rosalio and her daughter Melisa Andrea. She is survived by her son Victor (Lucia), two granddaughters Cristina and Andrea, two great-grandchildren Melisa and Sebastian, and numerous favorite nieces and nephews.

Rosary, with Mass immediately following, will be held on Friday February 10, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Placentia. Reception will be held in the church hall. Internment will be on the following day February 11, 2023, at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery.