Obituary of Margaret Marie DeRego

Margaret "Marge" DeRego A memorial mass will be held on June 5, 2010, for Margaret Marie DeRego, who passed away at her Santa Cruz home on May 14, 2010, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. A native of Santa Cruz, Marge was born on August 23, 1932, to Roy and Sylvia Pera. After graduating from Holy Cross High School, she worked for many years for Sam McNealy at Ackerman Accounting, where she met many life-long friends. While on a visit to the islands of Hawaii, she met Isidore DeRego, and they eventually married in 1954, making their home in Santa Cruz. The couple had five children who also attended Holy Cross School. Marge was a very devoted wife and mother and always volunteered for field trips and other school activities. One of Marge's greatest passions was spending time at Louden Nelson with a special group of friends enjoying line dancing. For more than a decade, this group would meet twice a week to engage in dancing, laughing and would always have stories to share. They also met once a month for special luncheons trying different restaurants around town. She was very involved with Holy Cross alumni, and they would regularly have gatherings where they would update each other on family, share photos, and just laugh. Their long-term friendships created a special bond, and through the years they were always there to lend each other support. What people will most remember about Marge is her energy, courage, positive spirit, and her unmistakable laugh. It seemed that everyone wanted to be a part of her life, and she was always surrounded by friends. She is survived by her sons and daughter-in-laws Roy and Pam DeRego of San Diego, Paul and Carmen DeRego of Soquel; and her three daughters and son-in laws, Lori and Mike Brown of Vallejo, Linda and Mike Manning of San Diego, and Lani Neilsen of Portland. She also leaves her beloved grandchildren: Jessica, Kim, Caitlin, Tim, Matthew, Steven, Daniel, Luke and Drew; along with two great grandchildren, Alexis and Kailey. Marge also leaves her brother, Leroy V. Pera of Santa Cruz, wife Helen, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by both her husband "Izzy" DeRego and her mother Sylvia Pera in 2004. A memorial mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 5, at Holy Cross Church in Santa Cruz beginning at 12 noon. A private burial will take place prior to the mass at Holy Cross Mausoleum, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband Izzy. Remembrances are preferred to Holy Cross School Scholarship Fund (150 Emmett Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060) OR: Hospice of Santa Cruz County (940 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066).