Margaret M. Miranda

To know Margaret Miranda was to know a faithful, funny, fierce, and fashionable woman. It is the hope of her family that her death announcement gives all readers a glimpse into a life well lived. Mom wants us all to know the importance of her mission of spreading laughter and kindness so that we may go forth and do the same for one another. Be kind, laugh and shower children in love!

Born to Diego Garcia and Librada Mendoza Garcia on August 29, 1931 in San Antonio, Texas, Margaret experienced loss very early. She lost her father at age 5 and her mother at age 8. She was blessed to be raised by Octaviana Mendoza Castillo and Natividad Castillo, her aunt and uncle. The gratitude mom had for the parents who raised her was boundless and something of which she often spoke. The unconditional love and acceptance she was given as a young, orphaned child created a lifelong mission within her to be a shining light to all children. Those who encountered Margaret during their youth—from her own children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to the countless children she cared for during her 25 years at New Braunfels Christian Academy and in her home during the summer—were so very fortunate to be loved by Mom, Nana and Mrs. Miranda. She could not shop in New Braunfels without encountering one of her former students and hearing how thankful they were for the years spent in her care! If you knew Mrs. Miranda well, you undoubtedly have a very good hand washing habit, know the importance of a clean and tidy space, know the taste of a good breakfast taco, remember her “cooking days” where her patience with three-year-old chefs knew no limits, recall the Spanish lessons, learned the importance of a prayer before mealtime, enjoyed fun field trips and received a bookmark as a gift.

Margaret graduated from Ursuline Academy in 1950. The memories from those joyful times could fill a book! The friendships from this time lasted until her final day on this earth. To those lovely ladies that made our mother laugh—thank you for your wonderful example of friendship! You are family to us and the love Mom had for you cannot be put into words. Those strong friendships formed early in life created a passion for having good girlfriends in Margaret. She was a great friend to so many and cherished people in such a unique way. To be Margaret’s friend was to always find something to laugh about! She treasured the handwritten letters exchanged through the years and loved writing letters throughout her life. In recent years, she encouraged the writing of an old-fashioned letter because nothing can say love like a handwritten note! This passion certainly sparked a love for writing in many people she touched.

Margaret married Joseph Miranda on December 20, 1951 and immediately set out on a military life that took them to Tucson, Ariz., Salina, Kan., San Antonio and Weilerbach, Germany. Margaret lived the role of military wife very well raising children, maintaining the household and making many friends along the way! Military retirement took them to New Braunfels, Texas in 1970 where she lived out the rest of her years. In their 64 year marriage, Joe and Margaret raised 5 children, enjoyed 14 grandchildren and were amazed by their 13 great-grandchildren! Together they instilled the importance of hard work. Their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were their biggest source of pride.

In 1997, after all five of her children completed their studies, Mom returned to school. At the age of 66 she enrolled at San Antonio College for courses in Early Childhood Development. She had a love for learning and overcame the hesitation stemming from being in classes with younger students. This is one of many examples of our Mom’s endless energy and desire to always experience more of life.

Margaret’s will to live was tested over the last 10 years as she battled Multiple Myeloma. Diagnosed at 74, she beat all odds by living as long as she did. And even in that difficult journey, Mom collected friends and was blessed by many caring people. Her family cannot adequately convey our appreciation to Dr. Sreedevi Daggubati and all of the compassionate medical staff at Cancer Care Centers of South Texas, who gave our mother and our entire family more time to enjoy. This extra time gave her grandchildren and great-grandchildren the chance to experience ALL that being loved by Nana entailed, and to enjoy precious time with a woman who had so much to share and teach. “Thank You” simply does not express our heartfelt gratitude. We also wish to extend a special note of appreciation to Molly Medford and other assistants from Senior Caring Services and Nicole Gonzalez with Visiting Angels. Thank you for the compassionate care you provided Mom.

Margaret is survived by her husband Joseph R. Miranda, son Dr. Joseph R. Miranda and his wife Patricia, daughter Sandra McGee and her husband Richard, son Stephen D. Miranda and his wife Cara, daughter Laura Thomas and her husband David and daughter Angela Peña and her husband Ronnie, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her sister Virginia Lopez, numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.

As a woman of faith with a love for our Lord that she always shared, we know the best is yet to come for Margaret. Thank you for giving life your all Mom! We love you.

A Visitation will be on Monday, November 23, 2015 at Zoeller Funeral Home from 5:00pm to 9:00pm, with a Rosary recited at 7:00pm. The Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Interment will immediately follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery at 1:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, Margaret requested that anyone wishing to honor her do so by donating to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School, 198 West Bridge, New Braunfels, Texas 78130.