Thursday, February 13, 2025
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Margarita Montalvo: 1938-2025

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Margarita B. Montalvo, beloved wife, mother, aunt, sister, cousin, and friend, died peacefully at home with family and friends. She was surrounded by music and poetry and art, just as she was throughout her life. She was raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and lived in New Jersey and Pennsylvania before settling in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1985, and eventually, in Washington to be near her daughter.

Although she was encouraged to pursue a career as an actress, Margarita chose to work with languages, working as an interpreter and translator for the FBI, federal courts, and even Pfizer International. She was a poet and wrote and illustrated a bilingual children’s book, “The Poetry Zoo,” published through Scholastic, that was enjoyed by children around the world. She was invited to recite her poems at schools in the U.S. and abroad.

Personally, Margarita was a fierce protector of her friends and those in need. A generous woman, she offered her time, her energy, and even her home to help others. She was appreciated by all for her intellect, grace, and strength, but even more for being loving, kind, and thoughtful, not to mention opinionated and strong-willed – she challenged everyone around her to be better.

She and her husband, Braulio, spent many Albuquerque evenings dancing to live salsa and other musical performances. When they danced together, they displayed love between two people, but also a love of family, community, and all who joined them.

For them, “This dance is for you. This dance is for us. This dance is for everyone.” They shared many mutual joys and passions over their nearly 55-year marriage and were a testament to the beauty of love and joy. She spent her lifetime caring for and being proud of two adventurous and happy children who loved her dearly.

Margarita was preceded in death by her husband, Braulio, the son she adored, Carlos; her parents, Alfredo and Mercedes; and her brother, Antonio. She is survived by her daughter, Maria; brother-in-law, Hiram, and sister-in-law, Sonia; many cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as a large extended family of relatives and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, all are encouraged to contribute by finding a local cause or someone in need in their community and offering to help them. A Mass will be offered on Thursday, Feb. 6, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Luke’s Parish, 322 N. 175th St., in Shoreline, and a full funeral Mass in March at Sangre de Cristo Catholic Church, 8901 Candelaria Road NE, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.