Margarita Cervantes, age 84, of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, passed away on February 11, 2023, at her home. A visitation will be held on Friday, February 17, at Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel from 3:00-6:00 p.m. with Rosary at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be Saturday, February 18, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe with Father Joseph Thambi officiating, after which cremation will take place. A private inurnment will be at Fairview Cemetery. Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.dugankramer.com
Margaret was born August 28, 1938, in Torrington, Wyoming, to Pedro Cervantes and Julia Salazar, and she received her early educations in Scotts Bluff County. She achieved her General Education Diploma through Western Nebraska Community College and continued her higher education in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was joined in marriage to Petronelo “Nelo” Dunquez on August 16, 1956 in Harrisburg, NE at the Banner County Courthouse, and they made their home in North Platte.
She was a devout Catholic, prayer warrior, and tenacious woman to whom The Lord listened. She worked as clerical support for the State of Michigan Health and Human Services, where her desire to serve others was exemplified. Maggie’s greatest achievements in this life will remain grounded in her generosity toward others. Her friendship was steadfast and treasured throughout the years. She had an innate ability to connect with others through life’s trials and tribulations while providing comfort, kinship, and a sense of belonging. Maggie allowed folks to unburden themselves with her, and if she liked you, you’d leave her presence sore from laughing, and reassured in the knowing that you had someone looking out for you. Life made her no stranger to loss, yet, as always, with her fortitude she was made wiser in her resiliency. She modeled what it meant to be fairer in our assessments of others without rank or title. As the daughter of poor farm workers she treated people she met with kindness. While she had no children of her own, but she loved the way a mother loves, through the good and the bad. She stood by, through the calm and through the storm. Maggie was a pillar of strength and a true voice of wisdom when bearing witness to life’s complexities. Maggie was an avid smoker, easily going through a carton of cigarettes per week. Often, she could be found with her Coca-Cola in one hand, a cigarette in the other, and the best eyebrows this side of the Mississippi that would rise in annoyance if you disturbed her smoking sessions. Always a truth teller she loved to laugh, tell jokes, and tease in the way only eldest sisters can get away with. Her family always knew that she would gift them angel statues and figurines, as she collected them for herself and her loved ones. Some of her favorite hobbies were playing cards, going to casinos, scratch tickets, gardening, and baking. She made the best German chocolate cake and carrot cake.
Survivors include her siblings, Adela “Jo” Serrano of Florida, Jesse (Lori) Cervantes of Omaha, Helen Piña, Joe (Marie) Cervantes, Irene Dominguez, and Daniel (Jeanne) Cervantes; along with sister-in-law; Lita Cervantes, numerous god children, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; ex-husband, Nelo Dunquez; brothers, Andrew and Reynaldo Cervantes; sister, Anita; brothers-in-law, Alfonso Serrano and Pete Flores, and sister-in-law; Carmen Cervantes.