Obituary of Ann Margaret Ortega

 Ann Margaret Ortega—affectionately known as Margaret—took her final bow on September 5, 2025, at the age of 51. Born on a chilly December day in 1973 in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Robert Vela and his wife, Victoria Vela, she carried the spark of a winter child her whole life: bright, joyful, and impossible to ignore.

Margaret believed that if life gave you lemons, you should make lemonade, spike it with laughter, and make sure everyone at the party got a glass. She was a woman of faith, full of humor, and known to dance through life with such gusto that even the angels had to keep up.

She was the loving wife and dance partner of Baldomero Ortega. Together they built a beautiful life, raising their children Jesus, Rosita, and Estrella, as well as stepchildren Robert (with Stephanie) and Steven (with Tiffeni). She was preceded in death by her eldest stepson, Mark Dorey, who no doubt welcomed her to Heaven with open arms.

Margaret’s greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren: Victoria, Sienna, Jesus, Jessica, JJ, Ashley, Summer, Allesea, Destiny, Antonio, Lilly, Brooke, Evan, Annie, Austin, and Graceson. Each one will carry a piece of her spark—whether it’s her laugh, her faith, or her love of Coca-Cola with just the right clink of ice.

Her siblings, Michelle & Poncho Munoz and Turtle & Loretta Vela, will miss her deeply, as will her nieces and nephews—especially her favorite niece Christina, Alexys and nephews Tito, and Kenny. She shared cherished friendships with Carmond & Tim Short and cousins April & Michael, as well as a lifelong bond with her sister-in-law and best friend Jenny Vela (now reunited with her in Heaven).

Margaret was also joyfully reunited in Heaven with her father Robert, her sister Sarah, her stepson Mark, and her sister-in-law Jenny. She leaves behind her beloved mother, Victoria Vela, who will continue to carry Margaret’s spirit in her heart.

A special thank you goes to Allesea, Baldomero’s granddaughter, whose strength, love, and devotion shone through during this difficult time. She has been a light in honoring Margaret’s memory and supporting her family.

Margaret’s story is one of faith, fun, and family. She was both the life of the party and the heart of her home. She had a joke ready at the tip of her tongue, a faith that anchored her, and a laugh that could cure the blues.

As we say goodbye, let us celebrate her the way she would want: with love, laughter, and maybe a little dancing. Margaret’s legacy lives on in every family dinner chuckle, every song that gets us on our feet, and every glass of Coca-Cola raised in her honor.

Here’s to you, Margaret—your punchlines and your faith will echo in our hearts forever. 

The Funeral Service will be held at 1 PM, Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Beacon of Hope Church, 2109 W. Michigan Ave., Saginaw Michigan.  The family will receive friends at church prior to the service from 10 AM – 1 PM.  To sign online guestbook, visit www.hyattewald.com Arrangements made with the Hyatt Ewald Funeral Home.