Margaret Sifuentes

She was a devoted and loving mother, mother in law, grandmother, sister, aunt, godmother and friend. She is survived by her grandchildren; Jacob Jr, Eva, Nadine, Michael, Jeweliana, and James; siblings Albert, Linda, Frances, Johnny, Natalie, Danny and the late Dora, Jenny, Ralph, Carmen along with her parents Albert and Natalie Altamirano.

A Celebration of Margaret’s life will begin Mon. 2/24 at the Willow Glen Funeral Home with viewing from 3:00pm – 9:00pm, Rosary 7:00pm. Funeral Mass Tues. 2/25 at 9:30am at St. John Vianney Church. Burial, Calvary Cemetery.

Eulogy: Margaret Sifuentes

Margaret Altamirano was born in Phoenix, Arizona on July 14, 1943; the second of eleven children born to Albert and Natalie Altamirano. The three eldest siblings: Dora, Maggie and Albert were born in Phoenix while Carmen, Linda, Frances, Ralph, Jenny, John, Natalie and Danny were born in San Jose, California after the family migrated from Arizona.

Once in California, the family began to work in the crops and fields of Santa Clara Valley. Her father passed away when she was 14 years old. Early on, Maggie took the leadership for caring for her younger brothers and sisters, a role she carried throughout her life, as a Matriarch of her family. Maggie made sure the house was well-kept and that food was on the table for her siblings. She took turns with her sister Dora between making tortillas and cooking dinner while ensuring her brother Nookie mopped all the floors each week and Carmen, Geedo, and Linda did other household chores. As a treat, she would make quesadillas for everyone. Dora, Maggie and Carmen established and maintained family traditions for Christmas, Easter, and other holidays and parties. Throughout the years, Maggie and Carmen became the pillars of their larger family of siblings, nephews and nieces, serving as role models for younger generations of our family.

Growing up in a family that came from humble beginnings, Maggie began earning money by ironing clothes for family and friends. She used the money she earned to buy herself new clothes for school. Later while in high school, she worked as a carhop at the Skylark drive-up restaurant on W Santa Clara Street.

She met Manuel Sifuentes, who was friends with her brother Albert and her future brother-in-law Ray Martinez, when she was a sophomore at Andrew Hill High school. Maggie and Manuel used to see each other at shows (known today as concerts) where she loved dancing to live music. Maggie graduated from Andrew Hill High School in 1961.

Soon after high school, Maggie and Manuel were married. They welcomed their first child Manuel Sifuentes Jr. in 1962. They lived with her in-laws, Juan and Maria Sifuentes for a few months after their son was born where she bonded with the entire Sifuentes family as a daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, and Aunt.

Soon thereafter, Manuel, Maggie, and Little Manuel moved into a two-bedroom Duplex for $72 a month. At different times, when Maggie’s younger sister Carmen and younger brother Tatie needed support, she welcomed them, and they stayed with her family.

After saving enough money, they were able to purchase their first home in San Jose on Lochner Avenue. In this home, her daughter Anita Dawn Sifuentes was born in 1974. A few years later, they moved into their family home on Brandywine Drive in San Jose.

Like everything she did, Maggie worked hard at being the best mother she could be. Although she was a working mother, she always made time to attend her children’s activities and never missed sports or special events. Participating in her children’s activities, especially as a team mom, was very important to her. Her children were her number one priority and were always well cared for.

Maggie was blessed to be grandmother to 4 grandchildren - Nadine, Michael, Jacob, and Eva; and two great grandchildren - Jeweliana and James. As a grandmother, she did everything to make sure each of her grandchildren felt special; special Easter baskets, going to all special events, making sure they always had food and treats in their tummies and love in their hearts. She was a devoted and loving grandmother and was happiest when all her grandchildren could be with her in one place.

Throughout her life, Maggie continued to work. She worked her way up to Manager of Laundry at San Jose Hospital. She also worked as a Manager of Facilities Maintenance for Santa Clara University.

Near the end of her career, Maggie insisted on retiring to care for her daughter’s first child, Jacob. She continued caring for Jacob and his little sister Eva for as long as she was able. Just like she did for her own kids, she tried her best never to miss any special activities for her grandchildren. She helped with picking up JJ and Eva from St. John Vianney and enjoyed being part of the SJV community.

As a mother-in-law, she kept a close eye and made sure her daughter Anita always appreciated her son-in law, Jacob.

Maggie’s hobbies included bowling, deep sea fishing, knitting, dancing, watching football and baseball. She was a faithful Niner and Giants fan. She was famous for her delicious tamales and rum cake. She loved her cockatiel birds Sammy, Jordan, Peggy and Jordie. She had a fondness for sweets. One of her famous requests was to be given the frosting flower on any piece of birthday cake she was given.

As an aunt, she was loved and respected by her nieces and nephews. She was very supportive, caring and always there for everyone’s parties, birthdays and all special events. She was sweet, kind and hilarious. She had a great sense of humor but was stern when she needed to be. She was genuine and said what was on her mind.

Maggie was also a special God Mother to many. When her older sister Dora passed, she stepped up to the God Mother role. She was very special to her God Daughter Cherry. She never missed a big moment in her or her children’s lives. She lived very close to Cherry and made visits often on her way home from Anita’s house. She never missed birthdays, holidays or anything special to Cherry’s family. She called often and had great conversations, sometimes requesting that Cherry drop by to take her some treats.

Maggie’s outstanding characteristics were her strength, love and independence. She was certainly strong-willed and sometimes firm, but she supported and loved her family with her whole heart. These characteristics are an inspiration to us all. We will miss her smile and laughter and will cherish all the memories we have of her forever.

At this time, I would like to take a moment to honor and acknowledge those who have gone before Maggie:

Her son, Manuel Jr

Her sisters Dora, Carmen, Jujie, her brother Ralph and

Our Tia Mini

Maggie will be joining all our other angels in heaven. Rest easy beautiful lady.