THEY were pretty much inseparable, Marguerite and Arnold Salazar. Of course he was by her side when she passed away on Tuesday, along with their two children and grandchildren.
“She was a beautiful and loving woman,” wrote Sally Salazar. “Deepest sympathy to Arnold and all her family. Rest in peace beautiful lady.”
It was those types of remembrances that showed up when news of her death traveled around the San Luis Valley and across Colorado.
“I don’t know anyone who was more committed to our community than Marguerite Salazar. She and her husband lived and breathed the wellbeing of Southern Colorado. Her death is a huge loss for our state. Robin and I send our condolences to her family during this time,” said her former boss and now U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper.
Our original story on her death: https://www.alamosacitizen.com/marguerite-salazar-dies-at-age-69/
SERVICES
Funeral Services for Marguerite Salazar will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in La Jara. The Salazar family will then host a reception at The Barn at La Manzanilla in Alamosa following the church service. The Barn is an event space created by Marguerite and Arnold Salazar for special occasions.
Added Lily Griego, Region VIII director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: “Marguerite was one of my first calls after receiving my Presidential Appointment to serve as the regional director for the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Region VIII office, the same office she was appointed to by President Obama in 2010. She immediately invited me to her home to ‘stay a night or two’ and visit with her. She shared lessons learned and important notes with me that I treasure dearly. The fact that my family also comes from the San Luis Valley, like Marguerite, made our conversation even more special. I will never forget that feeling of support and genuine happiness from Marguerite. Que descanse en paz.”
More Remembrances/Tributes for Marguerite Salazar
“We are saddened to hear of the loss of Marguerite Salazar and our condolences go out to her loved ones. Originally from the San Luis Valley, Marguerite was a dedicated leader and public servant and we are all grateful for her service to Coloradans.”
– Jared Polis, governor of Colorado
“She was a kind woman who always remained part of the richness of the San Luis Valley … the Valley weeps today … I will miss this Lady.”
– Lucia Guzman
“Marguerite and I became friends in 1976, when I moved back to practice medicine in LaJara with Dr.Thomas as a PAC. She was a social worker at Conejos County Hospital and watched her bring new definition to her job. She moved on to become the CEO of Valley Wide Health Services and watched her grow that origination to great heights, later recruiting me and becoming a patient and close friend.”
– Ted Morrison
“I first met Marguerite in 1994 when my husband Art & I were working for the Prevention Project and running our SLV Boxing Club. She asked me if I would like to be part of the Valleywide Health Services Board and I accepted. My husband worked with her husband, Arnold Salazar, when he ran Mental Health in Alamosa. Years passed until our paths crossed again in 2013 when she was the Colorado insurance commissioner. We would like to give our condolences to Arnold Salazar and her family and let them know she indeed was an amazing Daughter, Wife, Mother. Grandma, Aunt, Friend and business woman from this beautiful San Luis Valley we will forever hold her close to our hearts. Thanks Marguerite Salazar.”
– Ursula & Art Medina
“I remember her friendly smile walking the hallways of Centauri High School. RIP Your classmate.”
– Jim Martinez
“I cannot begin to express my deep sorrow for the passing of Marguerite. She was a vibrant, witty and such a compassionate person for the Latino community and health care system at large. She made you feel relevant when she engaged with you and you knew that she was 10 steps ahead of you implementing the next objective in her goal to make a difference in your life. I was honored to be a small part for almost 4 years as her Executive Assistant at Valley-Wide back in the early nineties. My thoughts and prayers go out to Arnold, Ursula and Max. I know your loss is tremendous and Marguerite will be deeply missed by all of us who had the wonderful opportunity to work with her. Con mucho amor siempre.”
– Alex Gomez
“I don’t know anyone who was more committed to our community than Marguerite Salazar. She and her husband lived and breathed the wellbeing of Southern Colorado. Her death is a huge loss for our state. Robin and I send our condolences to her family during this time.”
– John Hickenlooper, U.S. senator
“Marguerite Salazar was a true leader who cared about her community, a good friend, and a tremendous public servant. Her memory will live on a blessing.”
– Phil Weiser, Colorado attorney general
“I’m her cousin Larry Medina. I grew up in Salida but I now live in Northglenn! I’m a hairstylist and had the privilege of doing her hair for a couple years and we had a great time together. She told me about all her travels and experiences! She was truly tireless in her endeavor to reach the heights that she reached! She told me that even her family would ask her where in the heck she found the energy! And she told me a story of when she was a little girl her parents were going to go to the east coast for something and she really wanted to go with them and her mother told her ‘Hita when you grow older you will travel the world’ and it truly came to pass! I am privileged to say that she’s my cousin and she’ll always have a special place in my heart!”
– Larry Medina, cousin
“It is heartbreaking to learn of the passing of Marguerite Salazar. This is a great loss for her family and for our entire community. Marguerite served as an inspiration and trendsetter finding opportunities for underserved and underrepresented individuals across our state and nation. She actively offered her talents in our public spaces which will provide benefits far beyond her lifetime. Her legacy is grounded in access and service which enhanced health care, education, and community development. Marguerite will be greatly missed.”
– Armando Valdez, state director of USDA-Rural Development for Colorado
“Such a pivotal person with strong San Luis Valley roots made a significant difference to the people of the valley, State, Region and the Nation. Deepest condolences go to her husband and family. Rest in Peace dear lady.”
– Antonio Sandoval