At the age of 16, in what we know of as a man’s world, in 1949, Margarita, came to the United States, a young lady, perhaps even still a child, alone, unaccompanied by family, friends, or anyone she knew for that matter. She came with a dream to work hard and save enough money so that she could travel to the next country, as her dream was to travel around the world. Although she did not reach destinations farther than the states within the United States, through her perseverance and hard work importance she placed on education, she was able to attain her dreams of traveling through the eyes of her daughter, Luz, who also loved to travel and visited traveled lands as far as India.
If you were a friend, you would not want to miss stopping by her kitchen a day before thanksgiving, because if you did, she would send you home with one of her famous & freshly baked pumpkin pies; pumpkins grown in the family garden. Fridays were set aside to prepare for Sabbath. That included breakfast, but Sabbath lunch was always special, and included one of her many specialty cakes. Mother taught herself two things early on, following recipes required mother to learn to read ingredients in a language she neither spoke or read, but she would go to the store and ask grocery workers what the words in a recipe meant, and she would memorize them. So, she learned to read English and bake simultaneously. Her love to learn inspired her to self-educate, or maybe it was her love for reading that led her to be able to converse with anyone regardless of title or degree. It is certain; her humble nature, her positive spirit, and the fact that she always had a story for every situation, had a magnet-effect to anyone she met.
Margarita always managed adversity in the same manner, you will find her method in her favorite chapter in the book of Matthew 5:39, “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” She treated both friends and those who offended her the same. Margarita was a friend to everyone. It is with this exact spirit of joy that Margarita introduced the gospel to all she encountered by both example and the sharing of the gospel. She helped many understand the bible and brought many to Christ. Surely James was inspired to write in James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” She opened her home throughout the years, fed many families who would stay an indeterminate amount of time. She would spend countless hours in the homes of the sick and shut-in, without family close by or friends to help. She cooked, cleaned, and prayed. Her crown surely will be heavy laden with jewels.
Margarita leaves to mourn, last surviving brother, Alfredo Sedano Rodriguez, 5 children, Luz Calzo Grace, (spouse Arnold Grace), Gregorio Calzo, deceased, (widow Martha Calzo), Franklin Calzo, (spouse Janice Calzo), Daniel Calzo, and Rachel Calzo. 10 grandchildren and 5 grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
