Amalia Fernandez Murguia

Amalia Fernández Murguía, 93, of Kansas City, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 25, 2017. Amalia was born September 21, 1923, in Tangancicuaro, Michoacán, Mexico. Amalia was the eldest of 16 children. She shouldered great responsibility at the age of 14 by ending her formal education to take care of her younger five siblings when her mother passed away. She never let her difficulties impede her positive attitude. Even then her humble, strong, caring personality was evident. A sincere Catholic who lived her faith, Amalia never stopped being the one people came to for advice, a kind word, or a little encouragement. She sacrificed willingly for her family and she made sure they prayed the rosary together every night in May and October. She radiated an irrepressible enthusiasm for life among family and friends. Amalia lost her first husband before her daughter, Martha was born in 1943. When she married Alfred O. Murguia in 1952, she emigrated to Kansas City, Kansas, where they raised seven children. She remained steadfast in her attachment to her neighborhood, Argentine in Kansas City, Kansas and to her birthplace, Tangancicuaro, Michoacán, which she visited annually. Amalia was known for her cooking and her charm. She made piles of flour tortillas on a daily basis. When a neighbor came to talk with her, she listened while working in the kitchen. Often the neighbor ended up staying for dinner. Though she would make sure everyone else had eaten before she sat down, when she did sit down, she would begin with, “Me acuerdo cuando…” Everyone would perk up to hear another anecdote from her youth. It was always told with enthusiasm, often included a clever sense of humor, and usually provided some bit of wisdom for her children. Amalia believed in the power of education. She made sure all her children attended school and did their homework while she provided a stable environment. In later years, she celebrated her maternal success in her children's achievements. She endowed her children, grandchildren and all who knew her with the eloquent, wordless message that a life of integrity, selflessness, joy, diligent work, and caring relationships makes the world a better place. Amalia Fernández Murguía is now reunited with family, comadres and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty years, Alfred O. Murguía; her parents Herminio Fernández Zamudio and Carmen Delgado Manrique; her siblings Rigoberto Fernández, Herminio Fernández, Sr. Carmen Fernández, Rodolfo Fernández and Angelina Fernández. Her surviving family includes her siblings Ofelia Vazquez, Luis Fernández, Miguel Fernández, Josefina Alfaro, Soledad Briseño, Jose Maria Fernández, Guillermo Fernández, Dolores Ruiz, Hilda Torres and Dr. Antonio Fernández, all residing in Mexico; her children Martha Hernandez, Alfred Murguía, Jr., Rose Mary Murguía, Hon. Carlos (Ann) Murguía, Ramón (Sally) Murguía, Hon. Mary Helen Murguía, Phoenix, AZ, Janet (Mauro Morales) Murguía, Washington, DC; her grandchildren Ryan (Claudia), Nicholas (Fi. Trini), Kelly (Christian) Sandoval, Miguel, Amalia, Wyatt, Thomas, Isabella; and one great grandchild, Valentina. Family visitation will be held on Monday, September 4, from 3:30 pm to 8:00 pm. The recital of the Holy Rosary will begin at 7:30 pm. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, September 5. Both held at St. John the Evangelist Church, 2910 Strong Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas. The family is deeply grateful for the loving care provided by her dedicated caregivers in her final years, Angelina Barajas, Elvira Ibarra, and Imelda Magaña. Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at: maplehillfuneralhome.com/obituaries. In lieu of flowers, any who wish to make a memorial gift in honor of Amalia may contribute to the Alfredo & Amalia Murguia Scholarship at the Greater Kansas City Hispanic Development Fund, c/o GKCCF, 1055 Broadway, Suite 130, Kansas City, Missouri 64105.

Tributes

Amalia Fernandez Murguia

September 21, 1923 - August 25, 2017