Margarita Valenzuela died at home Thursday morning May 21, 2009 in Douglas, Arizona.  Margarita was born in Naco, Arizona, and raised in Pirtleville, by her parents Serafina and Pánfilo Varela.  As the oldest of nine children, Margarita assumed the role of mother at a very early age.

 Margarita married Dionisio “Nicho” Valenzuela on July 11, 1930 in Tombstone, Arizona, a marriage that lasted 78 years.  Together they raised nine children in Pirtleville, where they made their home before moving to Douglas in 1957.  Her husband, whose life spanned just over a century, worked at the Phelps Dodge Copper Smelter for 47 years.

As a child, Margarita received a firm foundation in the Presbyterian Church; her deep sense of spirituality remained solid throughout her life, setting an example for her children.  She attributed her long marriage to an abiding faith in God and daily scripture readings, from which she drew the strength to overcome hardships and setbacks she and her husband faced.

Margarita’s life revolved around her children, placing their needs above hers, while instilling in them values and principles that would serve them well later in life—responsibility, resourcefulness, humility, kindness and serving for the common good.  Aside from personal and solid spiritual beliefs, Margarita always stressed the importance of an education.  Versatile in every aspect as wife and mother, she was a master seamstress and remarkable cook, whose special warmth extended to guests she and her husband welcomed into their home.

Margarita is preceded in death by her husband Dionisio, September 2008, daughter Eunice, December 1974 and 6 siblings Liza, Lola, Sara, Lucy, Phyllis and Manuel Varela.   Still living are a brother, Panfilo (Connie) and sister, Helen (Wally) of Tucson and Los Angeles respectfully. Margarita is survived by 8 of her 9 children; Rosalío (Dolores) of Seattle, Washington,  Alfonso (Joan) of Tucson, Lydia Barrote (Gordon-deceased) of Benson, Serafina (Manuel) García, Margarita (Roy-deceased), Dolores (Arcelia), Dionicio Jr. (Mary), Manuel (Sylvia) all from Douglas.  Her survivors also include 17 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren, who live with their families in Seattle, Washington, Los Angeles, California, Phoenix, Tucson, Pirtleville, Douglas, Arizona and Japan.

Services for Margarita Valenzuela will be held at First Presbyterian Church on 10th Street on Friday, May 29th with viewing beginning at 10:00 A.M. and funeral services at 11:00 A.M.  Pallbearers Arturo, Nick, Fernando and Maria Valenzuela, Ernie Garcia and Monica Moreno will accompany Mrs. Valenzuela.  Rosalío, Dolores, Dionicio Jr., Alfonso and Manuel Valenzuela and Manuel Garcia will serve as honorary pallbearers for the occasion.  Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery on 3rd Street in Douglas.  After graveside services, the Valenzuela family invite you to a reception at First Presbyterian Church.