It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Margaret “Chonia” Raschella.
After a brief battle with cancer, Margaret passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 19, 2018. Margaret had a beautiful smile, infectious laugh, bottomless love for her family, affection for animals, and passion for helping others. Margaret will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved her.
Born Margaret Rose Zardo on April 20, 1948 in King City, California to Welco and Helen Zardo. She had two younger brothers, Roger and Sam. The family lived in Salinas, California and owned/operated the Daily Market. After graduating from Salinas High School in 1966, Margaret attended Hartnell Community College and received her Associates Degree. Continuing on the family grocery tradition, Margaret worked her entire career at Safeway, eventually retiring in 2002. In June of 1980, Margaret married the love of her life, Jerry Raschella, in a beautiful catholic ceremony in King City, California.
Margaret lived an amazing life of service. Whether it was taking in a stray dog who needed a home, helping out at the local hospital, giving a ride to an elderly friend, or serving on a committee, Margaret would gladly offer up her time without the want or need for recognition. At the time of her death, Margaret supported animal rescue, was an active parishioner of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, a Pink Lady volunteer at Mee Memorial Hospital, the Vice President of the Silver Kings & Queens, and sat on the Planning Commission in King City. When she was not volunteering in the community, she loved spending time with family and friends, traveling the world, and attending exercise classes at Kasey’s Fitness.
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Helen (1981) and Welco Zardo (1988), and her husband, Jerry Raschella (1990). The family takes comfort knowing that Helen, Welco, and Jerry were waiting for Margaret with open arms.
Margaret is survived by her brothers, Roger (Sharon) Zardo and Sam (Cathy) Zardo. She is survived by her Brother-in-law, Tom Raschella. She is also survived by her nephews and nieces: Roger (Kylon, Josh, Bryson) Zardo, Michael Zardo, Cody Zardo, Belinda (Jerry, Colton, Sienna) Sanchez, Nicole (Sean) Azzelio, and Zachary (Cassie) Zardo.
We will be honoring Margaret’s life with the following services at St. John the Baptist, 504 North Third Street, King City, CA 93930Visitation – Wednesday, April 25, 2018 from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Rosary to follow at 7:00pm.
Funeral Mass – Thursday, April 26, 2018 at 10:00am. Burial and reception will be held following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Margaret Raschella to the SPCA of Monterey County (www.spcamc.org).
Arrangements were entrusted to Eddington Funeral Services, 429 Bassett St., King City, (831) 385-5400, www.EFS-Cares.com .
