Margaret Serna

Margaret (Abeyta) Serna, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2024, at the age of 95. Known for her devotion to her family, steadfast Catholic faith, and service to others, Margaret lived a life of integrity and virtue as a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her family remembers her independent spirit, determination, empathy, strong work ethic, and sense of humor.

Born Margarita Abeyta on July 19, 1929, in Abiquiú, New Mexico, to José L. and Bernardita Abeyta, Margaret grew up in a small genízaro pueblo north of Santa Fe. At a young age with her sister Cleo, she left home and began an adventurous life that took her across the rapidly changing American West. Working in service roles in Los Alamos, New Mexico; Flagstaff, Arizona; and Oakland, California, Margaret witnessed the transformative movement of people that occurred during and after World War II and the explosive growth that followed. A fashionable and hard-working young lady, she appreciated people of all backgrounds, urban life, and dancing. Eventually, she met and married a fellow New Mexican from Belen, Leo Adam Serna. 

The young married couple started a family in Oakland before settling in Phoenix in 1958. In 1965, the young family suffered a tragic loss when Leo passed away in a workplace accident. With resilience and determination, Margaret raised their two children as a single mother in the 1960s. She took pride in her work, including many years as a skilled seamstress and later as a lunch server at St. Agnes School. She shared her love of travel with her children including trips to New Mexico, California and the Pacific Northwest. After raising her children, she enjoyed traveling with her sister and others to many states, Puerto Rico, Spain, Rome and later fulfilling a lifelong dream by visiting Israel in the 1990s.

Margaret’s life was defined by her deep faith and active engagement in her community. Her family remembers her longtime commitment to the Catholic community in Phoenix including: her service at St. Agnes as a Eucharistic Minister and a parish council member; her membership in spiritual groups such as the Carmelites, Legion of Mary, Guadalupanos, and the Cursillo Movement; and her commitment to others delivering food boxes as a member of St. Vincent de Paul and bringing communion to the homebound. Engaged in her community, she served as a poll worker and participated in activities at the Devonshire Senior Center for many years. She enjoyed a good laugh, movies, water aerobics, dancing, bowling, window-shopping with her daughter, and the occasional casino trip. 

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Leo A. Serna; her beloved son, William Serna; her parents, José and Bernardita Abeyta; and her siblings: Carlos Abeyta, Cleo Calistro, Alice Lopez, and Onofre Salazar. She is survived by her loving daughter, Sharon, and son-in-law, Michael Larkin; her sisters, Sister Bernardita Abeyta, Columbus, Ohio, and Josie Trujillo of Española, New Mexico; her cherished grandchildren: Micaela (Ross), Sarah, Matthew (Claire), and Marissa; her five great-granddaughters: Margaret, Penelope, Bridget, Cora, and Thunder; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Her family will never forget her love and example, and her grandchildren are grateful for being able to share their lives with her as adults.

Visitation is from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a Rosary being prayed at 7:00 pm on January 21, 2025 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home in Phoenix. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Agnes Catholic Church at 10:00am on January 22, 2025. Interment will follow the funeral Mass. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the St Vincent de Paul chapter at St. Agnes Catholic Church.