Margarita C. Guerry Born May 5, 1944
A Cinco de Mayo birthday tribute celebrating her life, legacy, culture, and love.
On Your Birthday
Today we celebrate the birthday of Margarita C. Guerry, born on May 5 — a day filled with color, heritage, remembrance, and love.
Her life reflected courage and determination. Coming to the United States as a young girl, learning a new language, continuing her education, and becoming a respected educator and leader, she showed what perseverance and purpose can create.
She inspired students, guided educators, strengthened schools, and helped open doors for future teachers through Teachers for the 21st Century Alternative Certification Program.
On her birthday, we remember her with gratitude. We celebrate her wisdom, her love for family, her dedication to education, and the beautiful legacy she left behind.
What We Celebrate
Her birthday carries the spirit of family, culture, resilience, and a legacy that continues to bloom.
A mother whose devotion, guidance, and presence will always remain part of her family.
A woman who met challenges with courage and built a life filled with purpose and grace.
An educator and leader who helped shape students, teachers, schools, and futures.
Her Story
Margarita C. Guerry came to the United States at the age of 15 with her mother, Cecilia V. Prieto, and her four siblings — Everardo, Blanca E., Miguel Javier, and Luis Roberto. They were brought to America by her stepfather, David F. Prieto, who later expanded the family with the births of Cesar F. Prieto and Patricia Prieto.
Life was not easy at first. Arriving in a new country without knowing English, she faced challenges that might have discouraged others. Yet, through determination and perseverance, she graduated from Ysleta High School, a milestone that opened the door to a lifetime of learning and service.
Her love of education led her to earn both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master's in Education. She spoke five languages fluently: English, Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese. She began her career as a Spanish teacher at Bel Air High School, where she inspired students for 15 years. Later, she became principal of Tornillo High School, guiding both staff and students with her leadership.
Her work extended beyond the classroom. She partnered with her brother, Miguel J. Cervantes, Attorney at Law, and later collaborated with Johns Hopkins University, bringing innovative reading programs to elementary schools in New Jersey. After this chapter, she poured her passion into creating Teachers for the 21st Century Alternative Certification Program, helping to prepare future generations of educators.
Ms. Guerry was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edgar L. Guerry, and her parents, David F. Prieto and Cecilia V. Prieto.
She leaves behind two devoted children, Michael Guerry and Margaret Guerry, as well as her brothers and sisters — Everardo Cervantes, Blanca Cervantes de Barcena, Miguel J. Cervantes, Luis Roberto Cervantes, Cesar F. Prieto, and Patricia Prieto — who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.
"Born on May 5. Remembered every day."
Forever loved. Forever remembered.