Margarita Fernandez Obituary

Margarita Fernandez Rivera was born in Aibonito, Puerto Rico in 1935 on March 21, the second of 4 children. As a young teen the family moved to New York City where she graduated from high school and began working at IBM. On October 24, 1959 Margarita married Gilbert Hernandez, and together they had two daughters, Karen Hernandez Novo and Kathleen Hernandez Lewis. While raising her children she went to college and received a degree in Business Administration and Accounting, graduating at the top of her class in 1981. She then began a career in the banking industry working at Caguas Federal and then Banco Santander, where she worked as a systems conversion trainer and managed IRA accounts. She worked with Banco Santander until she retired in 2000. She even found time to follow her passion for cooking by attending an international culinary arts school in Puerto Rico.

Margarita will always be remembered for her natural beauty, strength and a desire to be self sufficient. She loved her family and for many years she loved hosting the family Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve celebrations and cooking most of the food. Raising her daughters as a single mom she was determined to provide the best spiritual, inspirational and encouraging environment possible by involving them in church, Girl Scouts, sports and a Wesleyan Academy education. She helped her daughters set goals, prepare for the future and pursue their own careers. Her neighbors became like family after having lived in the same house for over 50 years. They cared for each other weathered numerous storms together. One of her special hobbies was caring for her orchids and various other plants around the house. Her mango tree produced the best mangos and many people shared in the plantains that grew in the back yard.

Karen and Kathleen would like to express their deep appreciation to the very special family members, close neighbors and church family who were always there for Margie when she needed you. Your love for her will never be forgotten.

More than anything else she desired to live as a witness of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She was preceded in death by her father, Gil Fernandez Rodriguez; mother – Consuelo Rivera Rios; Brother – Rafael Fernandez Rivera; Brother – Manuel Fernandez Rivera; and Son-in-Law – Ramon Thomas Novo. She is survived by: Sister – America Fernandez Rivera; Daughters – Karen Hernandez Novo & Kathleen Hernandez Lewis and son-in-law Jonathan Lewis.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. at San Tan Memorial Gardens at Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek, AZ.