Margaret (Madrid) Aragon

Margaret Madrid Aragon passed away Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at the age of 98. She was born in Las Vegas, New Mexico, moving to Albuquerque in her later retirement years. She was the oldest of three children of Antonino and Eulalia Madrid.

Margaret's parents stressed the importance of education, and this became an integral part of Margaret's life. She graduated Valedictorian from Las Vegas High School and continued her education at New Mexico Highlands University, where she graduated cum laude with a bachelor's degree in education, and later earning a master's degree.

Margaret's career began as a teacher at several small San Miguel County community schools, followed by teaching in Santa Rosa and the West Las Vegas school System. She later served as San Miguel County Schools Supervisor. Most of her professional career was spent in the East Las Vegas School System. She taught at all elementary levels, served as a Head Start Director, and later served as Regional Director for the Head Start Follow Through program. Margaret's professional career also included teaching at the university level. She taught summer methods courses for the Department of Education at New Mexico Highlands University. After many years in administrative capacity, she transitioned back to the classroom and retired in 1981.

After retirement, Margaret continued her involvement in the education arena serving as a consultant for the US Department of Human Resources reviewing Head Start programs throughout the county and providing these programs with technical training and assistance.

Margaret participated in many professional organizations including Delta Kappa Gamma, the Teachers Educational and Professional Standers Commission, and the New Mexico Professional Ethics and Practice Commission. Margaret was a member of the Catholic Daughters at Our Lady of Sorrows community in Las Vegas, and after moving to Albuquerque she became a member of the local Our Lady of Fatima community, serving in the choir.

Margaret was a highly respected educator, beloved mother, and wife. She loved her children and grandchildren and was always involved with their lives serving as an extraordinary role model. She was always supportive during difficult times. Her students have remembered her with great fondness and respect for the part she played in their lives.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Jose Nestor Aragon; her sister, Nora Alvarado and brother-in-law, John Alvarado; brother, Joselino Madrid and sister-in-law, Flora Madrid; grandson, Jose Nestor Aragon; and son-in-law, Jose Ricardo "Dick" Valdez.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan Valdez; son, Dr. Steve Aragon and daughter-in-law, Dr. Lydia Aragon; six grandchildren, Ted Valdez and spouse, Barbara Barela, and John Valdez of Albuquerque; Steven Aragon and spouse, Michele of Beaverton, OR; Stephanie Buford and spouse, Steven of Henderson, NV; Lara Lipskey and spouse, Lance of Yucaipa, CA; and Carlos Aragon of Redlands, CA; eight great-grandchildren, Shawney Buford, Lena Valdez, Sharlise Buford, Styles Buford, Valerie Valdez, Tyler Aragon, Hans Lipskey, and Miriam Lipskey; and one great-great-grandchild, Summer Buford.

Honorary pallbearers will be Margaret's grandsons Ted Valdez, John Valdez, Steven Aragon, and Carlos Aragon.

Services will be held on Monday, March 29, 2021 at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, 4020 Lomas NE with Father Steven Schultz officiating. Rosary will begin at 10:30 followed by mass at 11:00. Private interment will take place at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. No reception will be held at this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial contributions be made to the Jose Nestor Aragon Memorial Scholarship Fund at New Mexico Highlands University. Office of Foundation and Alumni Affairs, Las Vegas, New Mexico 87701. Please visit our online guestbook for Margaret at www.FrenchFunerals.com.

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