Margaret Teresa Mistretta

Rest in peace sweet, beautiful Margaret.

She was born March 10, 1931 in New York City, and passed away at 1am on March 24, 2023 at home in Upland, CA while sleeping peacefully next to her husband.

She was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother and friend.

She was born shortly after her parents’ immigrated from Sicily. At age 6, her family drove cross country in a Model A Ford to Los Angeles, California. At age 15, she met her husband-to-be, Frank Mistretta, while pumping gas at her parent’s gas station on Route 66 in Rancho Cucamonga. She was married at age 18, had 6 children, 20 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren.

She loved to travel and adventure with family and friends. For many years they traveled extensively. She and Frank and their children spent a great deal of time at their Lake Arrowhead home. They also enjoyed getaways at their condo in Palm Desert, along with various beach trips and international adventures. They even had a ranch in the Sierras for a time where the family shared happy memories.

They lived in Queensland, Australia for over a year on an undeveloped island that Frank had purchased, which Margaret later described as the adventure of a lifetime. But she loved her property in Upland with its sprawling gardens, and in the company of her children and large family, most of all.

She was wise, humble, compassionate, sincerely concerned about the well-being of others, and would give the shirt off her back to help someone in need.

She loved the delicious and simple Italian dishes she learned to make from her Sicilian mother, and loved baking desserts and cookies especially during the holidays.

She was sweet and gentle and happiest surrounded by nature watching the swaying trees, beautiful flowers, and birds flying freely.

She loved the ocean, swimming, and was a prolific reader. She spent many an afternoon with her head buried in a thick, historical fiction novel - her favorite reading material.

It’s fitting that she chose 2023 - the year of record breaking rain, snow in Upland, and never ending winter grey - to make her departure. There was a storm during her final days that was supposed to stop, but it kept raining steadily during her final hours with us.

She was on hospice care with a heart weakened by congestive heart failure, yet kept herself strong to celebrate Frank’s 100th birthday celebration on March 11th surrounded by the family and friends she loved so much.

She had an incredible life and was ready for her final rest.

On the morning of her passing, the clouds parted and the sun finally shined.

She is survived by husband Frank, sons Orlando Mistretta, Frank Mistretta, Joseph Mistretta, and daughters Cathy McLafferty, and Connie Landlord.

Margaret Teresa Mistretta (Orlando)

March 10, 1931 - March 24, 2023.

Viewing: April 11, 2023, 4:00- 8:00pm

Draper Mortuary

811 N. Mountain Ave

Ontario, CA

Funeral Mass: April 13th, 2023 at 11:00AM

St. Peter and St. Paul Catholic Church

9135 Banyan Street

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Private Family Burial at Bellevue Memorial Park where she will be laid beside her beloved son Anthony and her beloved granddaughter, Margaret Banks.

Donations to Alzheimer’s Association

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Draper-Mortuary.com for the Mistretta family.