Maggie, age 100, passed away one week before her 101st birthday. Maggie was born in Hughson, CA., the ninth child of John and Anna Baptista. She was crowned the Queen of the Peaches & Cream Festival during her senior year at Hughson High School, where she graduated in 1941.
After high school, Maggie’s brother David arranged for a blind date for Maggie and the man she would later marry, Gilbert Oliveira. They were already engaged when he was drafted into the Army in 1942. While Gilbert was on a two-week leave, he and Maggie married on August 19, 1945. Maggie returned with Gilbert to Oklahoma City until his Army service ended in November 1945.
Over the years, the couple purchased 40 acres in Turlock and Maggie helped on the ranch while also working at International Paper for 30 years.
She loved to garden, was known as the family photographer, and loved to visit casinos. On one of her casino trips, she hit jackpots on two different slot machines, scoring $4000 with each win. Being a dedicated SF Giants fan she continued to watch the games up until the week she passed. Maggie is the only one of her siblings to reach 100 years of age. She had no children of her own but became Godmother to eleven children and has many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
Maggie was preceded in death by her husband Gilbert, seven brothers; Charlie, George, Albert, Alfred, David, Roy and Raymond Baptista; three sisters Florence Avelar, Marie Vierra, and Mabel Teicheira. Maggie will be greatly missed by family and friends.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 17th from 5 pm to 7 pm at Allen Mortuary. A Rosary and Funeral Mass are scheduled for Friday, October 18th at 9:30 am at All Saints University Parish, 4040 McKenna Drive, Turlock, CA. Following the service Maggie will be laid to rest at Turlock Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances be sent to Turlock FFA, 1600 E. Canal Drive, Turlock, CA 95380 Memo: Roy & Mabel Baptista Scholarship or Covenant Care Hospice, 125 N. Broadway, Suite 1A, Turlock, CA 95380 c/o LoveLight. Please share your memories at www.AllenMortuary.com.
