Margaret Eileen Vargas

Margaret Eileen Vargas, age 83, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2026. Born on February 27, 1943, Margaret was the beloved daughter of the late Vincent and Ruth Eileen Rivera.

Margaret was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was centered around her family. She shared a lifelong love with her husband of 64 years, Basil, whom she married on June 22, 1961. Together, they built a home filled with warmth, structure, and enduring memories. She was a proud and dedicated homemaker, ensuring that everything in the household ran smoothly and that her children were cared for with unwavering love.

She is survived by her loving children: Anthony (Lisa) Vargas, Joseph (Kathy) Vargas, and Shawn (Nichole) Vargas. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Tina Fredrick. Margaret also leaves behind a large and loving family of grandchildren—Kaylee, Nichole, Alicia, Eric, Daniel, Kristin, Patrick, David, Jennifer, Victoria, Maria, Brooke, and Shawn—and many great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her grandson Joey.

Margaret is further survived by her siblings Marge and Ricardo, and was preceded in death by Mario, Delores, Benny, and Vince.

Margaret found comfort and companionship in the presence of her beloved dog, Callie Rose, a Pomeranian mix who has since passed. Like so many cherished pets, Callie Rose brought joy, loyalty, and quiet understanding, offering a steady source of comfort and unconditional love that made life’s moments all the more meaningful.

Margaret often shared stories of her childhood, including her early years in Texas, where her grandfather built a family home. While living in Corpus Christi, she spoke only Spanish and later learned English after moving to Michigan, attending classes before she could begin school—a testament to her resilience and determination.

She found joy in simple, meaningful moments. Margaret loved crocheting and needlepoint, and she had a creative spirit that shone through in the activities she shared with her children—plaster casting projects that they painted, strawberry picking, and annual trips to pumpkin patches and apple orchards. Family camping trips to the Irish Hills and Manistee created cherished memories that would last a lifetime.

Known for her kind yet straightforward nature, Margaret had a gentle disposition but was never afraid to speak her mind when it mattered. She was deeply loved for her honesty, strength, and the steady presence she brought to those around her.

She was also a devoted Elvis Presley fan, and one of her favorite family memories was traveling cross-country to Las Vegas, where her son Joe and daughter-in-law Kathy were married by an Elvis impersonator—an experience that brought her great joy.

In her final days, Margaret shared a peaceful vision of herself as a ballerina, expressing that she was at peace and ready to be with the Lord—a comforting reflection of her faith and the grace with which she faced the end of her earthly journey.

Margaret will be remembered for her love of family, her strength, her traditions, and the countless small moments that made life special for those around her. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 3:30 PM until 8:00 PM at Solosy Funeral Home, with a memorial service beginning that evening at 7:30 PM. Her family will forever cherish the memories of a life well lived and a woman well loved.