Margarita E. Villarreal

Margarita Estiv Villarreal, 89, of Waco, Texas passed away peacefully on June 17, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, July 21, 2025 at Oakwood Cemetery. A memorial service in her honor will take place Sunday, July 20, 2025 at OakCrest Funeral Home, time to be announced.

Margarita was born July 20, 1935 in San Antonio, Texas to Romulo Villarreal and Maria Nieves (Estiv) Villarreal. Affectionately known as Sister Margaret, she devoted 53 years of her life to St. Francis Catholic Church and its Kindergarten and nursery, where she brought joy, comfort, and guidance to countless children and families. In 2010, Margarita was honored with the Lumen Gentium Award by the Diocese of Austin, a recognition given to lay Catholics who live out the mission of the Church in extraordinary ways. Beginning in 2013, this award has been presented only every other year, underscoring the selectivity and significance of Margarita’s distinction.

Her gentle spirit and servant’s heart touched all who crossed her path. Known for her kindness, humility, and ever-present smile, she volunteered generously throughout her life, becoming a cherished part of her parish and community. She now joins her parents in eternal rest, along with her brother, Felix Villarreal; sister, Gloria Peterson; brother-in-law, Joe B. Aleman; nephews, Joe M. Aleman and Jesse Peterson; cousin, Frances Villarreal; and great-grandnephew, Scott S. Salazar, Jr.

She is survived by her loving sisters, Candelaria V. Aleman and Dominga Dominguez and her husband, Daniel; brother-in-law, John C. Peterson; and a large, devoted family of nieces, nephews, great-grandnieces, and great-grandnephews who will carry on her legacy of faith, love, and service. Margarita Estiv Villarreal was truly loved by all who met her and will be remembered always for her unwavering kindness and the light she brought to so many lives.