Margarita Hernandez Aginaga

Margarita "Margaret" Aginaga "Palomino" "Gaytan" God has welcomed another angel into His heavenly kingdom. On Saturday, January 20, 2024, Margaret Aginaga's last wishes were honored when she peacefully passed away in the comfort of her home with her loving family by her side. She lived a full life! Margarita Hernandez Aginaga was born on July 20, 1933, to Juan Martinez Aginaga and Juanita Jacobo Hernandez in Fort Stockton, TX. She was the fifth born of nine siblings: Thomas Aginaga, Felipa Ogas, Manuela "Vicky" Ramos, Wally Aginaga, Domingo Aginaga, Mary Guajardo, Martin "Chincho" Aginaga, Genevieve Rojas, George Aginaga. In 1945 the Aginaga family moved to Goshen, CA. The family eventually moved to Visalia, CA, making it their home. It was there, Margaret met Elario Palomino. Together they had five children whom they adored: Larry (Roberta) Palomino, Rachel Palomino, Anita (Robert) Weinert, Clara (Sam) Morales, and Manuel Palomino. In 1966, Margaret met her "Sweetheart" Joe R. Gaytan, also known as "J.R." The pair moved to Farmersville, CA where they made a life together. Side by side, they always kept busy-whether they were doing projects at home or out and about-Margaret's Sweetheart was there to support her, keep her company and ensure she was able to do all the things she wanted to. Before GPS, Margaret could always depend on her Sweetheart to help guide her and was as seen as her darling navigator-a gesture of love she immensely appreciated. In time, the pair grew their family. Together they raised two sons, Jerry (Carrie) Gaytan and Johnny Gaytan whom they doted on. Margaret loved her home, which she built from the ground up with her family. It was there her fondest memories were made with family and friends-oftentimes chatting, laughing, listening to music (on her record player), and dancing. She was a gracious host and a talented cook, no one ever left her house hungry. With an extensive menu and an accommodating nature, you could always be sure that she'd make something you'd love. Throughout the years, Margaret opened her doors to anyone in need of a helping hand, a place to live, or a hot meal. A generous person, she shared her home, her heart, and even her recipes; from her homemade bean and cheese burritos to her famous tamales, and many other favorites in between, Margaret and her delicious food still live on in her family's kitchens today. Margaret was a pioneer and, in many ways, ahead of her time. As a well-known vendor at the Visalia Sales Yard, she enjoyed meeting people, socializing, and honing her skills as a salesperson and negotiator. Before popular high-end vintage boutiques and online secondhand platforms emerged, Margaret was a first of buying quality clothes at inexpensive prices (washing them, ironing them with spray starch, mending them, then nicely displaying them) and selling them for a small profit. She was well known for this, and people would seek her out. As part of her love of finding hidden treasures, she enjoyed going to yard sales, flea markets, and estate sales with her Sweetheart. Margaret was a devout Catholic, with immense love for Our Father and a special devotion for Our Virgin De Guadalupe, St. Jude, and St. Lucy. There is no doubt she is looking at her family lovingly from heaven. The love she had for others and the love she received, can best be seen by the many monikers she was given: Margarita, Comadre, Margaritaville, Mom, Mother, Maggie, Lady, Gram, Grandma, Mommy, and Chula. She will be deeply missed. However, her spirit lives on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and family and friends. A heartfelt thanks to Dr. Ow-Yong, whom she kindly referred to as "My Doctor" and to her beloved hairstylist, Xia, who always made sure she looked and felt like a million bucks after leaving her chair. Graveside Services will be held at the Visalia District Cemetery on Tuesday, February 6th, at 12:00 PM, and a Celebration of Life will follow at St. Mary's Parish Hall immediately after.

Margarita Hernandez Aginaga

July 20, 1933 - January 20, 2024