A rosary, with memorial services to follow, is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, April 1, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church for Margie Alaniz.
Alaniz, 86, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother and sister, was called to her eternal resting place Sunday, March 26, 2017.
Interment will follow the services at Woodbine Cemetery.
Margie entered this world Oct. 31, 1930, in Artesia, born to Calletano and Francisca Alvarado. She lived her early years in Cottonwood. An only child for the first seven years of her life, she shared memories of the smell of fresh cut alfalfa in the fields her father tended, delicious aromas from the kitchen, her mother wrapping lunch in a dishtowel and fastening it around the neck of her dog, Sarge, who would run through the field to take it to her father, and making mud pies from the cool dirt under the cottonwood trees that surrounded her home.
She had one sister, Beatrice, but considered her twice-over cousins, Herminia, Consuelo, Ismael and Jose, to be her siblings, as well. Each one significantly touched her life, and the stories of yesteryear that have been passed down usually have their audience laughing hysterically. They were a tight-knit family, brought up on strict values, morals and respect.
At a very young age, a slender, blue-eyed, witty gent caught Margie’s eye and convinced her to spend the rest of her life with him. Gilbert and Margie were married just prior to her 17th birthday, and within the first few years of their marriage came Jerry, Steve and Richard, with Dianna following three years later.
They made their home on Missouri Avenue, where Margie dedicated her life to her growing family. Her memories of “nap time” were comprised of a short time of her busy day to join her neighbors sitting in the backyard, munching on Oreos, and chatting until the babies started waking from their naps, signaling it was time to start dinner.
In 1956, Margie was uprooted from her familiar surroundings and relocated to Southern California, where she spent the next 61 years. She wasn’t pleased to make the move but was an obedient wife and departed, leaving the two older boys with her mother while they found a home and settled in the city. Soon after, the older boys joined the family, and then an “oops” occurred, presenting the family with their fifth and last child. Her family was complete, and by 1961, they settled in West Covina, Calif.
Margie kept busy by sewing costumes, uniforms and clothing for her daughters, keeping a tidy home, and always providing the most delicious meals. The smell of fresh tortillas drifted down the street, bringing a welcoming invitation. She attended band recitals, open houses, choir performances, and parent/teacher conferences through the years, and then once graduations hit, weddings and baby showers followed. How gratified she was seeing her family blossom. Not much later, the cycle repeated itself with her grandchildren. Life was grand, and she was blessed beyond measure.
A celebrator of life, indeed she was. Once the older boys were able to babysit the younger siblings, she and Gilbert spent many evenings out dancing till dawn. She floated as if she were weightless while he strolled her through the dance floor. No matter what holiday, they were sure to be dressed to the hilt and gathered with their friends to do one of their favorite activities. The moment “Sabor A Mi” hit its first three notes, their eyes would meet. Whether across the table, sitting side by side, or across a crowded room, they would join together to dance to “their” song.
The “crowd” consisted of New Mexico-born California residents. They were inseparable friends who enjoyed celebrating occasions together, attending golf tournaments, and playing cards almost weekly. When she would share memories of these special outings, her adult children would often wonder, “Why aren’t we having as much fun as our parents did when they were our age?” Life was grand and couldn’t seem to be better until tragedy blindsided her.
In 1986, her only beloved was stricken with cancer and passed away, leaving her to deal with the tragedy of being a widow. It took a few years, but eventually, she worked through the pain and began “living” once again. She kept busy by attending great-grandchildren’s events and keeping close ties with “crowd” survivors by golfing and attending her weekly Saturday night poker party and Wednesday evening Yahtzee game night.
As the years passed, Margie endured several bouts of cancer. She had the determination to fight each battle, and her mind was set on cherishing each moment with her family. She lived life to the fullest and endured the challenges she faced. Her passing is bittersweet, but we know that she and her true love are dancing as if nobody is watching!
Survivors include daughters Denise Alaniz of Artesia and Dianna Garcia of Lancaster, Calif.; sons Jerry Alaniz of Las Cruces, Steve Alaniz and wife Sandra of Upland, Calif., and Richard Alaniz and wife Jennifer of Las Cruces; sister Beatrice Samora and husband Clovis of Artesia; 15 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren plus two on the way; and two great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert Alaniz; parents Calletano and Francisca Alvarado; daughter-in-law Maggie Alaniz; and great-granddaughter Amani McCutcheon.
Arrangements are under the direction of Terpening & Son Mortuary. Condolences may be expressed online at www.artesiafunerals.com.
