Marguerite Olga Lofy "Maggie" September 25, 1932 - May 18, 2012 Marguerite Olga Lofy was born in Montreal, Canada, to Leonard Jean Joseph Lacrosse and Olga Eugenie Maertens Lacrosse on September 25, 1932. Marguerite immigrated to the United States at only 13 years old, when her family moved to Huntington Park, California in 1945. She first met her lifelong companion and husband, at a Catholic Youth Organization dance, being hosted in her parent's home on New Year's Eve in 1954. They began dating about three months later and were married in St. Matthias church in Huntington Park on August 11, 1956. Mr Lofy and Maggie moved themselves and their growing family throughout California, residing in Huntington Park, Visalia and Fair Oaks before eventually settling down in Bakersfield in 1969. By the time they arrived in Bakersfield, they had seven children and seemingly undeterred, added another after their arrival, for a total of eight children. Maggie raised her family with boundless love and kindness, delighting in all of their accomplishments and always being there to assist in their times of need. Additionally, her twenty-two grandchildren and three great grandchildren were always a source of inspiration and pride. Maggie always made an extraordinary effort to attend the seemingly never-ending string of concerts, recitals, sporting events, and graduations of her grandchildren. And as if her own children were not enough, she also welcomed many of her children's friends into her home as family. She always made her home available for food, shelter, love and kindness to any of her family or friends in need. Soon after arriving in Bakersfield, the family's roots began to take hold and established a strong thriving presence in our community. The deepest and strongest of these roots originate from their Church, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, where Maggie devoted much of her time and efforts. She was a devoted and active parishioner, selflessly and graciously giving of herself to assist whenever and wherever needed. Maggie provided service to her church over the years as a Lecturer, choir member, collections counter, and Eucharistic minister. In addition to family and church, Marguerite also managed to build a successful career, full of friends she met along the way. She said many times, "I don't have clients, I have friends". She began her career in 1971 preparing taxes at H & R Block. She enjoyed the work and furthered her career goals by becoming an Enrolled Agent in 1985. Maggie managed her own tax preparation and bookkeeping business from 1988 through 2009. A professional member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents and the California Society of Enrolled Agents, she served as the Chapter President for the Kern County Chapter of the CSEA from 1991 through 1993. Marguerite was preceded in death by: her parents Leonard and Olga Lacrosse; her brother Nelson Lacrosse; and her granddaughter Tawney Lofy. She is survived by: her husband; two brothers ; her eight children and their spouses. She will also be greatly missed by her twenty-two beloved grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Viewing will be Thursday, May 24th from 6:00-8:00 pm with Rosary at 7:00 pm. The Mass and Funeral services will be held Friday, May 25th at 10:00 am; All services will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 124 Columbus Ave, in Bakersfield, California. Graveside services to follow immediately after Mass at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 9101 Kern Canyon Road. The Family would like to thank all of the friends and family who helped provide care and support, as well as, the care providers and help from Hoffman Hospice and Interim Assisted Care. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you consider making a donation to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church or to the American Cancer Society in honor of Marguerite Lofy.

Source: Bakersfield Californian, 5/23/2012