Sr. Margarita Ortiz

MARINA DE JESUS ORTIZ

IN RELIGIOUS LIFE AS SR. MARGARITA DE SANTA MARIA

Sr. Margarita was born on December 24, 1933, to Jose Maria Ortiz and Rosana Betancur in Armenia Antioquia, Colombia. She was one of a family of 10 children of which 3 would become Dominican Sisters of the Presentation and one a diocesan priest.

Sr. Margarita entered the convent in Colombia on December 27, 1952. She made her first profession of vows on February 3, 1955, and her final profession of vows on February 3,1960.

In Medellin, Colombia she taught in 2 schools of the Congregation: From 1955-1960: Colegio del Centro, and from 1960 –1961 Colegio la Estrella. From 1961-1967 she participated in the formation of the postulants and novices.

She came to the USA in 1967 to be part of the Novitiate community in Dighton, teaching sewing and general services.

In 1974 She was sent to Madonna Manor Nursing Home in No. Attleboro, MA as a nurse’s aide for 3 years and she also taught many young women to care for the elderly.

In 1977 she returned to the Novitiate community in Dighton, to assume her former

responsibilities and participate in the formation of the novices.

In 1985 to 1991 she was part of the Pastoral Care team at St. Anne’s Hospital until 1991.

Then she was sent to participate in the formation program of the Congregation in Tours, France and remained for an additional year to care for the elderly sisters in our Infirmary at our Mother House in Tours.

At the end of 1992 she returned to the USA and continued her work in Pastoral Care at St. Anne’s Hospital.

Her next mission was in Brownsville, Texas in Parish Ministry St. Mary’s Parish where she served from 2001 – 2017. There she was involved in catechesis, outreach to families and started “Works of Mercy” which became a center where the poor could receive food and clothing. Sr. Margarita always had a love for the poor and it was there in Brownsville that she could express more visibly her love and concern for those in need.

In 2017 Sr. Margarita returned to Dighton due to her failing health. However, she ministered at Marie’s Place in Fall River until she was no longer able. Through her simplicity, sense of humor and kindness, she radiated her commitment to the Lord and her love of Mary, our Blessed Mother.

She died peacefully in Dighton on February 14, 2026.

Sr. Margarita is survived by 2 sisters: Sr. Olga Ortiz and Carmelita Ortiz de Velez, and several nephews and nieces who all reside in Colombia.

The calling hours will be on Thursday, February 19, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation, 3012 Elm Street, Dighton.

 Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, February 20 at 10:00 AM. at the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation chapel, 3012 Elm Street, Dighton.  Burial will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, Fall River.