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Margarita Suarez Obituary
Margarita M. Suarez, age 76, died October 17, 2018 after what she called "a blessed and full life." She worked for peace and justice with a special sense of humor and simplicity. Margarita was born in Havana, Cuba on August 5,
1942, the fifth of 14 children of Manuel Suarez and Eloisa Gaston. She was active in the Cuban underground against Fidel Castro before a two-year stint as a novice with the Maryknoll Sisters. She completed her MA in psychosocial nursing, University of Washington. She served as a U.S. Army nurse in Vietnam, worked as a pediatric nurse practitioner, taught at the University of Washington School of Nursing, and worked as a private counselor in the areas of family interaction, child and adolescent grief, and conflict management.
On a national level Margarita conducted workshop trainings with Virginia Satir, who pioneered a family therapy model. Later she served as executive director of AVANTA The Virginia Satir Network. Margarita's wit and wisdom brought her national prominence as a keynote speaker, mentor, and advocate for health and social services. Margarita is survived by her wife Sandi Spence, 10 brothers and sisters, 49 nieces and nephews, and many friends - especially her faith community, which accompanied her through her illness with multiple myeloma.
Her memorial service takes place tomorrow, Sunday, Oct. 21 at 2:00 pm at Lake Burien
Presbyterian Church, 15003 14th
Avenue, SW, Burien, WA 98166.
In lieu of flowers, her family requests that you send a donation to her church. Sign Margarita's Guest Book @ www.Legacy.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Margarita Suarez
Sponsored by The Family.
Penni Evans
April 26, 2020
I knew Mararita in Vietnam at the 18th Surgical Hospital when I was a Donut Dollie. We met again when I moved to Seattle. I am just now learning of her death. She was a wonderful woman and very special.
Marya DeCarlen
November 4, 2019
Grace Hadeed
August 16, 2019
I've had the privilege of knowing Margarita for a number of years through Virginia Satir and Dr Joan Winter I'm sad to say that we lost touch with this wonderful woman some years ago. I even tracked down her brother and nephew in Miami ( they were the first Cuban mayors). She was hard to locate. We finally found her and had the opportunity to speak to her before she died. It's hard to express words over the grief folks feel to lose this very special beloved woman. Being in her presence was truly inspirational.
Much love and prayers to her family ❤
Grace Hadeed
Joan Winter
November 3, 2018
Only today I am informed about Margarita's departure.
Her trip to teach in Venezuela is still in my heart. She helped and enriched many and gave hope to all. It was a pleasure to have her in my home and she is a generous and loving being impossible to forget. I am happy of all the moments I shared with her, especially when I was in the Governing Council and she was the Executive DIrector.
She must be having a great trip to the light!
I see you up there, my old friend!
Thanks for being down here at the same time than me.
Aura Sofia DIaz.
Espi Maldonado
October 27, 2018
I will always remember Margarita with great love and kindness. She was an amazing role model and someone that inspired me to be the best I can be. God Blessed
Maria Teresa Gaston
October 26, 2018
Prima Margarita, We are so grateful to God for your love and wisdom and indomitable faith. John and I had the privilege of attending one of your Virginia Satir workshops! You helped us know the holiness and wholeness of family life in all its expressions. Thank you for your kindness and witness to us at family reunions, throughout your life and in your dying also.
Margarita y Maria Luisa at Gaston family reunion
Mária Luisa Gastón
October 26, 2018
Diane Assalone
October 23, 2018
Margarita was an early mentor in my life, offering kind, compassionate, grounded and wise support to a 20-year-old just having her first experiences in the real world. She was a down-to-earth touchstone, a safe confidante, and a reassuring presence to me. I was, and am, especially grateful for her visiting me and my family after my brother was killed in 1969. She traveled to Philadelphia to extend this loving support, and it was a comfort as well as a lesson for me. My love, and all peace to her family. I loved her.
Jane Ford
October 23, 2018
She was a blessing to so many hurting parents at Seabeck Retreat...yet, she could bring laughter through the tears!
She will be deeply missed!
Kit Chesla
October 23, 2018
Margarita was one of the most energetic, funny and compassionate therapists around. She was also a fantastic cook! Cuban black beans, roast pork, her special brand of rice. Many blessings to Margarita's family and shared sadness at her passing.
Rebecca Grossman
October 22, 2018
Such an amazing woman. A fantastic teacher with a big heart and a fantastic sense of humor. The world is a better place because of her.
Tracy Flynn
October 22, 2018
Honored to know Margarita; What an amazing force of nature and compassionate loving person. A great teacher and mentor to me and to many others!
Susan Gray
October 22, 2018
I haven't seen Margarita in years. She was a good friend and amazing mentor while I navigated many challenges during my teens. I house sat for her a summer while in college. She had such a fun wit!
Regina Falco
October 22, 2018
Margarita was a mentor and blessing to all who knew and shared time with her. May she rest in peace.
October 22, 2018
I didn't spend but a day working in your yard, I remember how kind, patient, and a joy to be around.
Thank you for the opportunity and trust you had with me.
Betty Corso-Falter
October 21, 2018
Prayers and Salutations to an amazing nurse, friend and social activist. I went to Walter Reed Institute of Nursing with Margarite. I remember her taking me to my first political rally. Our car ran out of gas and I got into big trouble. But its a memory I shall never forget. She will forever be in my prayers. She was a gift from God to all she touched.
NANCY L. ADAMS
October 21, 2018
I will always remember Margarita for her joy and friendliness. Nancy Adams
Cathy Sosnowsky
October 20, 2018
i KNEW Margarita through her work with bereaved parents at retreats at Seabeck, Washington. Her presence there was supportive of old and new grievers alike and she astounded us all with her profound and humorous presentations. There are so many who will miss Magarita! A unique and wonderful moman!
Blessings from Cathy Sosnowsky, on behalf of the Canadian bereaved parents who were enriched by their attendance at Seabeck.
October 20, 2018
A lot of us from the old Pine Lake Presbyterian Church got to know you and your many talents, Margarita, and I felt especially appreciative, since I was in your UW Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Class of 1974-75. Thank you for your trust and friendship! Lynn Richardson McGlocklin
October 20, 2018
October 20, 2018
October 20, 2018
We love you Tia Margy
manny s. your Godson
Ellie Hidalgo
October 20, 2018
Rest in God's peace my beautiful Aunt Margarita
Love your niece Ellie
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