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Margaret Arenas Obituary
October 16, 1931 - October 17, 2022
Sanger, California - Ms. Margaret K. Arenas of Sanger passed away on Monday, October 17, 2022, one day after her 91st birthday.
She was born in Parlier, California and was the youngest of eight children. She was raised by all of her siblings, but primarily by her older sister, Mary, after their mother's unexpected passing.
During World War II, the Arenas family worked and lived on a ranch in Parlier. When the owner of the ranch, and his family, were forcibly relocated to a Japanese internment camp, they entrusted Margaret's brother John to care for their ranch. The Arenas family treated it as their own until the family's release; later they would have their own ranch in Sanger, which the siblings all helped operate and was a special place for family to gather every Sunday.
Margaret graduated from Parlier High School and attended Fresno State College, earning her degree in Education. She began her teaching career as one of three teachers at a small school in the Tivy Valley School District. She was the first Latina teacher at Tivy Valley. She subsequently applied for a teaching position at the Parlier Unified School District. She was the first Latina elementary school teacher and later became the first Latina principal hired by the school district. Eventually, she opened a preschool in Sanger – The Learning Corner – where many children, including her great- nephews and nieces attended. The Learning Corner was her pride and joy, and we have many fond memories of those days and of all of the people who worked alongside her.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers and sisters. She is survived by her nephews Richard and Joe; 2 nieces, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Wallin Funeral Home in Sanger on Sunday, October 30th from 4:00PM to 6:00PM with a recitation of the Holy Rosary at 5:00PM.
A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, October 31st at 10:00AM at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Sanger, CA followed by interment at Sanger Cemetery and a reception to follow in Sanger.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Margaret Arenas
6 Entries
Margie Smith
November 1, 2022
1963
Will never be forgotte, a teacher with a heart of gold
Margie Smith
November 1, 2022
1963
What a blessing to have a Spanish speaking teacher back in those days she was a true blessing to everyone who knew her, in my heart forever.
Tony F Reyes
October 25, 2022
My most sincere sympathy for the entire family. Margaret, may you rest in peace with your brothers and sisters.
Ric Quinonez
October 24, 2022
Aunt Maggie always made family gatherings at ranch special. Love you always.
Rosie Garcia
October 24, 2022
Ms. Arenas was my principal from kindergarten to third grade. She was a sweet lady. I remember she wore heels that matched the color of her outfits. She was always sharply dressed. One day she asked me if I knew how to play jacks and when I replied I didn´t, she asked a classmate to teach me. I then asked my mother to buy a set of jacks and I taught my younger sister and we played for many years thereafter, including our college years. Mrs. Simmons who shared a memory about Ms. Arenas was my third grade teacher and she was absolutely lovely. I remember when she vacationed in Canada with her family, she sent me a postcard and commented that the money looked like play money. Her postcard that summer allowed me to imagine a far away place, while living in a rural small farming town. The Lord blessed me to have these two wonderful ladies, along with my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Peterson and my second grade teacher, Miss Rata as my role models in my formative years. I went on to start a commercial construction company and yes, I wore heals to the job sites. Thank you Ms. Arenas!
Cynthia Simmons
October 22, 2022
I worked with Margaret for several years in Parlier. She was the first principal I worked under. She was an excellent administrator and was a very caring person. Her students loved her. Some of my grandchildren went to the Learning Corner when she opened the pre-school. Because of her teaching and guidance it helped them to get a good start in school! She was also a good friend. We talked on the phone periodically. I sent her a birthday card for her recent birthday. I last spoke with her a few days before she had surgery. I will miss her!
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