Margarita Fernandez

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Margarita Fernandez, age 67, on August 23, 2025. Born on September 19, 1957, in Eagle Pass, Texas, Margarita was a cherished daughter, sister, sister-in-law, and devoted member of her community. She was a proud Mexican American, whose warmth and spirit touched the lives of many. Margarita dedicated her career to the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District as a data clerk, where she served the students and faculty of Norwalk High School with unwavering commitment and passion. Her love for education and her students was evident in every aspect of her work. Margarita was a vibrant individual who enjoyed attending the Tejano Conjunto Festival in San Antonio, Texas, alongside her beloved sister, Estelle Lester. Family gatherings were a cornerstone of her life, and she proudly organized the family reunion in 2019, leaving a lasting legacy of love and connection among her relatives. She met her beloved husband, Donald Walls, at a country dance club in Artesia, California, and together they cherished their time attending concerts and dances, creating countless memories filled with joy and laughter. An avid reader with a penchant for classic cinema, Margarita curated an impressive collection of old movies and was a passionate collector of Southwest ceramics and art. Her love for travel often led her to Arizona and New Mexico, where she sought out new additions to her cherished collection, all the while enriching her life with the beauty of these regions. Margarita is survived by her sister, Estelle Lester, and brother-in-law, Lenny Lester, who will carry forward her memory and the values she instilled in those around her. Funeral services and ceremonies will be held in her honor, allowing family and friends to celebrate her remarkable life. There will be a viewing and Rosary, along with refreshments, at White Emerson Mortuary in Whittier on Monday, September 22, from 4 to 8 p.m. This will be followed by a Mass at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 23, at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church. Margarita will be laid to rest at Loma Vista Memorial Park immediately after the Mass. Margarita Fernandez will be profoundly missed but forever remembered for her kindness, her laughter, and the love she shared with everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Margarita was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Walls, mother, Maria Luisa Fernandez, father, Santos Fernandez, and her brother, John Fernandez.