Margarita Guadalupe Abilez

Margarita Guadalupe “Lupe” Abilez, age 93, of Fairmont City, IL, born on February 22, 1930, in Del Rio, TX, passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2024, surrounded by family in O’Fallon, IL.

It was with a great deal of joy, empathy and a sense of humble service that Margarita approached her life. She worked lovingly to not only provide for her family, but to encourage its growth and the dignified pursuit of opportunities that she herself may not have had. She was proud of her Mexican-American heritage, arranging for get-togethers with and for family and friends, complete with homemade Mexican food. She was happiest when her family was together, and she balanced the demands of work by gardening, cooking from recipes her mother had shared with her, cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals, and even participating in the 1951 Miss East St. Louis Jaycees beauty contest. Margarita was a savvy entrepreneur, having practiced beauty culture in the St. Louis metro area for decades, eventually establishing and operating the Fairmont Beauty Shop until her retirement, and concurrently founding a successful residential real estate business with her husband, Martin. She was a great listener, so much so that family, friends, acquaintances, and clients alike all knew they could open up to her about life’s challenges and be truly heard. She was a lifelong member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Fairmont City and was very proud to call Fairmont home. Margarita was an angel on this earth, whose selfless contributions and impact shall be enduring.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Martin V. Abilez, Sr; her parents, Teodoro and Emma (Carr) Guardado; sisters, Virginia Abney and Elva Ortiz; and her brothers, Jose Guardado and Teodoro Guardado, Jr.

Margarita is survived by her children, Marty (Lisa) Abilez of Maryville, IL, Rebecca (Ted) Klutho of Crestwood, MO, Michelle “Rene” (Bob) Crain of Caseyville, IL, Ed (Laura) Abilez of Ballwin, MO,  and Robert Abilez (Jeffery Schott) of Chicago, IL; grandchildren, Audrey Crain, Jacob Crain, Parker Crain, Eddie Abilez, Jr., and David Abilez; and her great-grandson, Jason Abilez; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.   

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Rosary Catholic Church,  Fairmont City, IL.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL.  

Visitation will also be held on Friday, February 2, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Fairmont City, IL.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Fairmont City, IL. Interment will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Belleville, IL.

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