Margaret Banales Vengroski

Margaret Banales Vengroski has gone home to be with her Lord and Savior. Strong in her faith she let her God and family know she was ready. She passed away on July 1, 2025 surrounded by her children and family.

Born in Oxnard on December 30, 1946. Graduated with honors from Oxnard high school in 1964. Married to Michael Ortiz in 1966. They had three sons and a daughter. She later went on to marry John Fontes and had a daughter. She found and married her soulmate George Vengroski in 1988. They were married for 11 years until his passing in 2002.

She worked for 26 years in the Oxnard elementary school district. She started as a CSEA site rep then became a class representative. She later became a chief job steward representing all classes. Worked in the special education department as a bilingual special education teaching assistant. She was a union member that marched in rallies throughout California and Nevada.

She volunteered at Santa Clara church with the altar society, eucharistic minister, catechist and cook for the priests. She worked with Sister Servants of Mary. She was a girls scout leader and team mother for her kids sports. She always found time for her kids, taking them on spontaneous trips. Known as mom to many of the neighborhood kids, she housed kids in need. She was an entrepreneur that had a catering business and representative of Mary Kay. She was a caregiver to many, including her husband, mother and brother prior to their passing.

When she was a child she liked gardening with her dad and long discussions about politics as a teenager. She grew up with a close relationship with all of her siblings. They spent lots of time together at the campground and family gatherings. As an adult she liked volunteering, gardening, cooking, baking and having long talks with everyone.

She is survived by her children Michael (Melisa) Ortiz, Lawrence (Cherie) Ortiz, Veronica Ortiz-Avila and Shardi Fontes (Jaime), daughter-in-law Francine Ortiz, her 15 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, brothers John Banales (Lani), Robert Banales (Patricia) and David Banales (Mercy); her sister Herminia Dominguez; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband George Vengroski, her Mother Maria J. Banales and Father Juan R. Banales; her son John Ortiz, her sister Belen Garcia, brother-in-law, Ernie Garcia, and brother Daniel Banales.

The family would like to express deep appreciation to the catechists and parishioners of Santa Clara Church who were an important part of her life.