Marguerite Lucina Geissler

Marguerite Lucina Geissler, born April 14, 1930, was welcomed into Heaven on July 23, 2016. She was reunited with her first daughter Mary and her family and friends.
Born in Sile, NM to Spanish speaking parents, Teofilo and Estanislada Rivera, Marguerite learned English in grade school, attended high school in Bernalillo, became the valedictorian, then attended Loretto Heights College in Denver, CO on a scholarship. It was in this city where she met Pittsburgh, PA native Henry Geissler. They married and briefly moved to Pittsburgh, which inspired her dedication to Pittsburgh sports, especially the Steelers; a passion that lives on in her children. Henry and Marguerite later moved to Albuquerque, where they remained and raised their six children. Marguerite became a well-respected Spanish and English teacher across several schools throughout her career. Her fondest teaching memories were at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School.
God was first in Marguerite's life and she had a special devotion to the Virgin Mary. She was a Lay Canossian, President of the Marianites, and was especially involved in Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Parish, where she lectored, administered the Eucharist, played guitar, and sang in her beloved Spanish choir. Henry and Marguerite also attended mass daily.
Marguerite's memory lives on through her beloved husband of 63 years, Henry; her eldest son Patrick, his wife Josie, their children Christina, Sean, and Alisa; eldest daughter Cindy, her husband Bruce Vaio, their children David (his wife Samantha and the first great-grandchild Savannah), Brian, and Kimberly; daughter Elaine Geissler, her daughters Natalia and Marina McDonald; son Mike, his wife Caroline, children Michael, Michelle, and Krystalyn; son John, his wife Aprilyn, and their daughter Kambria; and her youngest daughter Maria. Marguerite's sister Jenny Romero has the honor of being the last remaining Rivera.
Marguerite's memory also lives on in her legendary family recipes for posolé, biscochitos, tamales, and red chili, which she has passed on to her children and grandchildren.
The family would especially like to thank Monsignor Voorhies, Rev. Father Ramos, the Canossian Sisters and the Marianites, as well as Marguerite's caretaker Maria Marin, and her hairdresser Anamay Rodriguez; all of whom were very helpful and important to her.
A Rosary will be held Friday, July 29, 2016, 8:00 a.m., at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church, 2621 Vermont St. NE, immediately followed by the Mass of Resurrection at 8:30 a.m. Serving as Pallbearers are: Michael Geissler, David Vaio, Sean Geissler, Brian Vaio, Leonard Padilla, and William Silva. Honorary Pallbearers include Frank Silva and Charlie Padilla. Following the mass, Marguerite will be taken to her final resting place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. A reception will follow at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Casa Angelica, the home for children and young adults with developmental disabilities.
Marguerite fought the Good Fight. She finished the Race. She kept the Faith.