Margaret Virginia Rosales

Margaret Virginia Rosales AKA “Maggie” was born in East Los Angeles on May 18, 1938 to Ernesto Reyes and Ernestina Lopez. She was the first of three children. Her brothers are Ernie and Ronnie - both of whom are still living locally. They suffered the loss of their father early in their lives. She took great care

in watching over and nurturing her beloved siblings and they remained integral and vital parts of her life.

She attended Eastmont Junior High which is where she first met Gary who would become her soul-mate

and partner for life. Her initial attraction was two-fold: he was/is an incredibly smooth dancer and he

was a member of the Coolers Car Club which only cemented her magnetic pull in his direction. They

especially enjoyed jitterbugging together, a passion which continued throughout their lives - branching

out to many other dance styles – always a sight to behold! The dance floor was one of those places

where their synergistic harmony could not be denied! Their best friends, Bob Scuderi and Ann Hayter,

played huge roles in their early romance as well as other notable friends, Bob and Anne Webster. She

attended Montebello Senior High School. Maggie was a beautiful soprano and loved being a member of

her high school choir. She enjoyed music by Perez Prado and worked in a local store called Dottie Dean

which explains her incredible fashion sense.

Shortly after high school, Gary and Maggie were married. He was able to buy her ring when he opted to

sell his car (a 1932 Ford coupe with 26 tooth Zephyr 4-speed tranny and an Oldsmobile V8 with no

radiator for lack of room, motorcycle headlights, and taillights from a police car) as a symbol of his love

for her. They were married on June 15, 1958 thus celebrating their 66th anniversary as a married couple

earlier this year. They welcomed their first son, Mark Alan, on August 11, 1959, followed by Catherine

(Cathie) Anne on March 24, 1960, Christopher John on January 31, 1962, and Grace Marie on September 3, 1965. They also have 2 daughters-in-law, Susan Rosales and Elyse Chiat. Gary enlisted in the Navy which is why they spent their early years in San Diego, CA.

They relocated to Whittier, CA where mom worked in various administrative capacities for many years.

In 1970 they moved to Pico Rivera, CA where they have resided ever since. She enjoyed spending time at their beach house in Corona, Baja Mexico, participating in many run/walk activities with friends from the YMCA, sharing amazing adventures with her extended church family including, but not limited to, the

Ortiz’s, the Lemos’s, the Younger’s, the Rifino’s, the Loly’s, the Leal’s, and the Coulson’s enhanced with

the greatest joy of welcoming 11 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren along the way. She was an

integral support to her nephews and niece, Andy, Ronnie, and Cassie. She showed her love through the

most delectable meals, baked goods, and her dedication to detail when making a “space” beautiful.

Maggie dedicated her life to her faith as an actively committed parishioner at St. Hilary’s Catholic

Church. She and Gary continued to share mornings with their “Early Morning Praisers” as their extended

spiritual family.

Maggie passed away on Saturday, December 7 th in her home surrounded by her husband, her children,

her daughter-in-law Elyse, and her grandson Jake. She was a true warrior and was finally able to

surrender to her return to glory after many physical battles. We love her deeply and know she has found

peace and restoration.

Any donations should be made to the Columban Missionaries in lieu of Flowers