Margaret Jataine
Margaret Jataine, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, business-owner and community volunteer, passed away on November 18, 2016. She was 74.
Born on February 7, 1942, in Del Rio, Texas, Margaret grew up in Corpus Christi. She graduated from W.B. Ray High School in 1960. She earned an Associate's Degree in Paralegal Studies from Del Mar College in 1983 and a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of the State of New York.
In 1960 Margaret married Hobart Harold Tullos, Jr., and they had two children Lura and Hobart III (Bart). Throughout her life, Margaret pursued her passion for painting, was a voracious reader and loyal friend to many. All those who knew her can attest to her wonderful, spirited sense of humor.
She married Phil Westergren in 1976, and for many years they worked side-by-side in his law office, where she was his paralegal.
In 1992, Margaret became the owner and CEO of Corpus Christi Produce Company, established in 1946 by her parents, Anne and Tony Jataine. She ran the family business for 25 years and was very active in the business community, including serving as a member of Executive Women International Corpus Christi, and recipient of the YWCA "Y Woman in Careers" Award for Entrepreneurial & Independent Business in 1998.
Over the years, Margaret was a generous supporter of many community organizations, including Driscoll Children's Hospital, Christus-Spohn Hospital, South Texas Academic Rising Stars, KEDT-TV, Corpus Christi Metro Ministries, Art Museum of South Texas and Bay Area Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse to name just a few.
Margaret helped many people in the community and took special pleasure in random, anonymous acts of kindness, such as sending care packages and special gifts to deployed military personnel and even paying medical bills for an unsuspecting friend. She had a special love and compassion for animals, rescuing and finding good homes for hundreds of animals over the years.
Margaret is preceded in death by her parents, Anne and Tony Jataine and her son, Hobart Harold Tullos, III (Bart).
Margaret is survived by her daughter, Lura Tullos Dietze (Thomas); grandchildren, Scott Thompson, Gregory Thompson (Tamara), Grant Dietze, Clay Dietze (Amy), and Shelby Dietze; great-grandchildren, Tanner Smith, Jaxon Thompson and Braden Dietze; and "second daughter," Amy Taft Koch (Kenny).
The family would like to thank her friends and caregivers who helped Margaret through this last year, especially Juanita Gonzalez, Denise Housler, Teri Nelson, Lena Olson and Molly Arnold.
A memorial service will be held at the Church of the Good Shepherd on Saturday, March 11, 2017, at 10:30 am, 700 S Broadway, Corpus Christi, Texas. Honorary pallbearers will be the employees of Corpus Christi Produce Company.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to
BoggsDoggsCanineCrisisCenter.org, 4680 FM 624, Robstown, Texas 78380, to P.A.A.C. (People Assisting Animal Control) 5804 Ayers St, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415 or to Master Trainer Company, 7070 Terrier St, Corpus Christi, Texas 78414.
Knox Graham
Sad, sad news. Margaret was a very special lady.
Kenneth D. Carr
Margaret was a friend of mine from early elementary school. She was my first girl friend and I was her first boy friend. She gave me a scarf and I gave her a football cleat, how exciting it was at that age. At that age we walked everywhere and our group would meet at the Lindale rec center for sock hops. She was a fine person and she will be missed by many. My regards to her family.
Ken Carr
Kathleen (Kathy) Nesbitt (Smith)
I was very sad to hear about Margaret. When I think of her I think of her big and beautiful smile; one that was always given with such warmth. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
Jody Horton
I didn't realize that I had gone to school with Margaret since grade school and all through junior and high school but I never knew her birthday was 3 days before mine. I was also shocked to hear of her passing and my sympathies to her family and close friends. Sincerely Jody Horton
Janice Friedman (Edison)
Maggie, I will miss you forever....until we are all back together riding in your old black Ford with you behind the wheel! I have waited so long to write this because I just cannot find all of the words to say what I want...my memories just over whelm me. My biggest joy now is knowing you are with Bart, Tony, and your mom and with all of our friends who made the journey before us. Keep sending us the fresh produce...you can run that business from Heaven!!! Love always, Janice
Jan Titus (Eddins)
I'm so sorry and my thoughts and prayers are with the family.Lynne Mullens (Hailey)
She had a great smile.
A favorite memory was spending Linda Bocock DuBose last birthday with Linda, Delaine and Margaret. We had such a good time. Lots of laughs. For years I looked forward to the monthly newsletter from CC Produce with the HI! greeting on the back from Margaret. To many to fast are leaving. She will be missed by her family her friends(2 and 4 leged)and her community.
Mike Harrison
Margaret, one of the best! We are all lucky to have had you in our lives.