Margaret S. Cortez

Marguerita “Margaret” Serrano Cortez, age 90, of Topeka and formerly of Tecumseh, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 22, 2025, surrounded by the love and presence of her family.

Born on January 10, 1935, to Carlos and Paula (Zendejas) Serrano, Margaret grew up in a home anchored in faith, culture, and strong family values. She graduated from Our Lady of Guadalupe Elementary School and carried a lifelong belief in the power of education, encouraging each of her children to pursue learning and opportunities beyond the classroom.

On June 2, 1956, Margaret married, Pablo “Paul” Cortez, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Together, they built a beautiful, bustling family and shared 59 years of marriage until his passing on August 28, 2015.

In 1953, Margaret was honored to be crowned Fiesta Queen, proudly earning the title by selling the most tickets. Her love for Fiesta, her parish, and her community lasted throughout her life. She gave her time joyfully over the years—cleaning tables, cooking tamales, helping in the kitchen, and stepping into whatever role was needed. She was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and in her later years, faithfully attended Saturday Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

In her younger years, Margaret worked as an elevator operator at the Kansan Hotel in Topeka and later as a Kitchen Aide at the YWCA of Northeast Kansas. Her most treasured work, however, was caring for her family. She devoted her life to managing her busy household and lovingly serving as a caregiver to her parents, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. Her home was always full, always warm, and always open.

Margaret enjoyed gardening, singing, watching EWTN, and keeping up with her favorite soap operas. But above all, she loved being surrounded by her large and growing family, who were truly the pride of her heart.

Family and faith were the center of Margaret’s life. She was not only a devoted mother but the strong, steady matriarch of a large and loving family. She led with wisdom, humor, honesty, and a straightforward way of speaking that everyone cherished. Her quick wit, her common-sense approach to life, and her heartfelt conversations will be deeply missed. Her legacy lives on in every generation she lovingly guided.

Survivors include her children, Maria P. Christmore (Dave) of Lenexa, KS, Teresa R. Wetzel (David) of Lewis, KS, Ann B. Bartlow (Brad) of Topeka, Pablo A. Cortez II (Sandy) of Whitman, MA, Carlos A. Cortez (Tami) of Topeka, Louis A. Cortez (Francie) of Topeka, Philip M. Cortez of Topeka, Vincent E. Cortez (Regina) of Crestwood, NY, Peter A. Cortez (Jenny) of Topeka, Rita L. Gish (Michael) of Topeka, Raquel A. Deets (Greg) of North Las Vegas, NV, Raoul A. Cortez of Phoenix, AZ, and Regina A. Cortez of Topeka. She is also survived by her 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Other survivors include her two brothers, Philip Carlos “Junior” Serrano of Topeka and Peter A. Serrano of Dallas, TX.

Margaret is preceded in death by her parents; husband, and siblings, Natividad Serrano-died in infancy, Louis Z. Serrano, Leocadia S. Navarro, and Vicente Z. Serrano.

She will lie in state from 2-8:00 P.M., with a rosary being prayed at 6:00 P.M., on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M., on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery-Topeka.

Memorial contributions can be made in Margaret's memory to Holy Family Catholic School, 1725 NE Seward Ave., Topeka, KS 66616. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

Please join us in celebrating Margaret's life, sharing a memory, leaving condolences, or signing her digital tribute wall at www.brennanmathenafh.com. Your stories and memories are a testament to Margaret's life, and we encourage you to share them with us. She will forever be in our hearts, and through our memories, her light will continue to shine.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.