Margarita Rodriguez, was born on January 29, 1965 to Ana Roman and Angel Rodriguez in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, and was the first of six children.
On Thursday, July 27, 2017, Margarita Lofton peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home from Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience.
Margie, as she was affectionately called by her family and friends, moved to Philadelphia in her youth. She continued her education in the Philadelphia Public School System. After graduating from Mastbaum Vocational/Technical High School in June 1984, Margie began working at the ACME Uniform Co. from 1984-1997. After approximately one year, her classmate and friend, Patricia Witherspoon, joined her at ACME Uniform Co. All of Margie's co-workers loved and respected her. One co-worker in particular, Diane Warner, cultivated a familial relationship with Margie throughout the thirteen years of her employment at the uniform company.
Margie was united in matrimony to Hillary Richard Lofton Jr. on November 20, 1986 and from this union they bore two children, Latasha Lynn Lofton and Zaire Jernell Lofton. Margie enjoyed taking her children on vacation, especially to the beach. Also, she was very fond of her pets, Puffy, Lizzie, Max, and Umo. Margie took interest in studying Egyptian history and culture. She also enjoyed going for a run and going out to indulge in a good margarita. Most of all, Margie loved the musician Prince; she would stand in long lines for hours on end to purchase his concert tickets.
Margie joined the Philadelphia Police Department and graduated from the academy on June 23, 1997. She was respected and loved by all who met and worked with her. Margie loved going to work every day to be with her brothers and sisters in Blue. During her twenty years on the force she was decorated three times by the Dept. for outstanding arrests. Margie served as a school beat officer for eleven years. She received numerous citations from the community including certificates of appreciation from Thomas A. Edison High School and Roberto Clemente Middle School.
Officer Margarita Lofton belonged to the 25th District 5 Platoon until her sudden and expected death.
She leaves precious memories to her two loving children, Latasha L. Lofton and Zaire J. Lofton, her mother, Ana Roman, her five sisters, Carmen Rodriguez, Luz Miller (Mike), Sonia Olivo, Marrysol Rodriguez (Curtis), Marrybell Beavens (Charlie), her mother-in-law, Phyllis Lofton, two nieces, Anna Santiago (Juan) and Priscilla Olivo, seven nephews, Steven Ortiz, William Olivo, Aurelio Lozada, Ruben Ortiz, Joshua Olivo, Johnathan Olivo and Nickolas Lozada, two great nieces, Jayana Santiago and Bella Olivo, two great nephews, Jameson Ortiz and Mateo Olivo, a future son-in-law Lamar Smith as well as a host of relatives and friends.
Family and friends are invited to Margarita's Life Celebration Saturday, August 5, 2017 starting at 9:00AM at The Historic Enon Baptist Church, 1831 Green Street, Phila., PA 19130 and to participate in her Funeral Service at 11:00AM. Interment Private.