Magda Penaranda Pacheco Obituary (1929 - 2017)

Magda Penaranda Pacheco, 88, passed away on November 16th, 2017 from stroke complications at the Intermountain Medical Center (IMC) in Murray, Utah, with her daughter by her side. Magda, “Maggie”, was born in La Paz, Bolivia on May 20, 1929 to Reverend Nestor Penaranda and Angela de la Pena. While in Bolivia, she became a member of the LDS church. She chose her baptism date to be on June 22, her daughter's birthday. In 1984, she moved to Utah to live with her daughter Leni and her family. Years later, she became a US citizen. Maggie, was preceded in death by her parents, Nestor and Angela, and her siblings, Guido Penaranda (Tula Tamayo) , Lia Fiorillo (Col. Ricardo Fiorillo), Aida Levinson (Dr. Boris Levinson), and Kenneth Penaranda (Lourdes Montalvo). She married Mario Pacheco, and had one child, her daughter, Leni. After graduating from the American Institute in La Paz, Magda, studied Theology in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She also studied nursing, at the Methodist Clinic in La Paz, Bolivia. Later on, she decided to follow her passion, which was teaching children. She taught Pre-school at Calvert School. Years later, she became a full time English teacher in Kindergarten, Elementary, and Middle School at The American Institute, a private school in La Paz. Students and colleagues loved her. She was recognized as “Teacher of the Year” for her achievements and dedication to her students. Maggie loved the Lord and the Gospel. She was called to serve as a Service Missionary for the LDS Church at the Employment Center in West Jordan, helping many people find jobs, and worked especially with the Latino population. She served in that calling for 18 years, until May of this year, when she became ill. Maggie loved people, teaching, studying the Scriptures, classical and Bolivian music, dancing, singing, knitting, baking, sports (she played basketball in HS), soccer, and the Utah Jazz. She had a delightful and witty sense of humor. She adored her grandchildren, Jessi and Aaron. In her later years, her great-grandkids brought her inmense joy. Her greatest legacy to her family, is her unwavering faith in God, The Savior, and the Gospel. Her testimony of The Church of JesusChrist of Latter Day Saints was a tower of strength throughout her life. She loved her mission, and making a difference in people's lives. Her compassion for the downtrodden, the underdog, and anyone in need --- along with her caring nature, touched the lives of many people she came in contact with. She is survived by her only child, Leni Pacheco Quarnberg (Alan Quarnberg). Her grandson, Aaron Quarnberg (Jen), and great-grandchildren Dallin, Aftyn, and Rowan. Her granddaughter, Jessica Quarnberg, and grandson Ryder Hales. Also, her nieces Beatriz Pacheco, Ana Maria Fiorillo, Tuly Huntington, Angela Penaranda, and Beatrice Penaranda. Her nephews, Ernesto Fiorillo, Jorge Saravia, Rafael Penaranda, Guido Penaranda, and their families. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 25th at 11 a.m. in the South Jordan 7th Ward Chapel, 9750 South 2200 West, South Jordan, Utah. Family and friends may attend a visitation, in the Relief Society Room, one hour prior to the funeral service.