are deep in my heart

I won't let them go,

No matter what,

these memories remain

They're my light in the dark

and ease the pain."

- Margaret S. Garza

There are those among us who go quietly about their lives, always doing what's right with no expectation of reward. Gilroy's Margaret Garza was one such person.

When Garza was tragically killed on Oct. 11 in an accident not far from the mobile home park where she lived on 10th Street, it was just one day after her 45th birthday. By all accounts, the community lost a remarkably generous, dedicated, caring, and creative woman who was a valued community volunteer.

"Margaret was happiest when volunteering for others," her mother, Martha Garza, said. "She loved the Lord, going to church, prayer groups and Bible studies."

Margaret Garza's calming presence was valued by her sisters in faith from all denominations, according to South Valley Symphony Concert Master Beverly Blount, who knew her well.

"She brought a sweet and quiet spirit into any room she was in, and her strong prayerful presence brought a soothing care and calm to others," Blount said. "Her presence was important in this town."

Gail Paccioretti, Volunteer Coordinator at St. Louise Hospital, worked with Margaret Garza for two years.

"She volunteered at the information desk," Paccioretti said. "She was always responsible, always showed up when she was supposed to, always looked nice in her uniform. She didn't expect anyone to give her praise for what she did."

Nancy Corbridge, executive director of the South Valley Pregnancy Care Center where Margaret Garza volunteered, described how "Margaret faithfully served for over three years in a variety of ways from quietly working in the backroom of our baby boutique, meticulously examining each piece of clothing to ensure that it was in pristine shape before putting it out in the store for expectant mothers, to assisting with our annual fundraisers and helping with periodic mailing projects. She was an incredibly generous and unassuming person whose gentle spirit will be greatly missed by all who have been blessed to know her."

Margaret Garza was also very active in the local chapter of California Central Coast Women's Christians in Commerce and volunteered at the Garlic Festival for them.

"Margaret was generous," director Diane McGinty said. "When she first came to our group, she put together some Scripture booklets. She made copies for many of us who had asked for them. She also brought CDs of music she liked to share with others. For two years, I've listened to one of them every morning while I'm getting dressed."

Margaret Garza surprised many with her recently published book entitled, "Inpsirational Seed, Poetry to Encourage the Heart, Vol. I".

"She began writing at an early age," Martha Garza said. "As her faith deepened, she wanted to bless others with her poetry, so she began making cards of it. She was encouraged by others to put them into book form."

"She was just a beautiful person. She didn't toot her own horn, but she was one of the unsung heroes among us," Corbridge said.

"Yes," Paccioretti chimed in. "Sometimes those are the people who have the greatest effect on us."

"We want to thank everyone who has shared how Margaret had touched their lives," mother Martha Garza said.

"Maybe telling Margaret's story can inspire others to serve the community and to pursue their dreams, as Margaret did in having her first book published," McGinty said. "She is a good example for all of us no matter what our status in life."

Maybe you know one of the gentle souls among us who go quietly about their lives doing good without thought of personal reward. May we be inspired by Margaret Garza to say thank you to that person as we consider all that what we are grateful for during this Thanksgiving season.

Although it had not yet been published, Garza had a second book in the works. For updates about Margaret Garza's poetry or to contribute to making her dream for future books come true, visit www.insp-seed.com.

Kat Teraji Kat Teraji is communications coordinator for a large nonprofit that benefits women and children. Her column appears every Friday. You can reach her at kattoy@verizon.net.