The first of seven children, Margaret Mary Atencio was born in Denver on August 8, 1947, to Herman and Vivian Atencio. Atencio’s father was a former assistant Denver City Attorney. She was a devote Catholic with a strong sense of faith and integrity.
Atencio attended St. Joseph Catholic School from grade school through high school. She enjoyed attending all her high school class reunions. After high school Atencio attended CSU in Fort Collins. She was involved with the Catholic Mile High singles club where she made many lifelong friends and maintained those friendships throughout her life.
Atencio worked most of her life as a legal assistant. She worked in both the private and government sectors. Atencio served her community with care, compassion and commitment. Her focus was often on the work of the Democratic Party and her commitment to voter registration and the importance of voting. Atencio was also a member of the Latino Initiative.
Atencio was also very proud of the fact that she was selected three times to represent the people of Colorado at the National Democratic Convention. She was also invited to vote in the Electoral College. Over the course of her work Atencio met a few of our Presidents, numerous members of both Congress and the House of Representatives. She was also very involved in both local and state races.
According to Las Animas County Democrats, “Margaret has been a fixture in the Denver’s civic life for as long as most of us can remember, organizing, advocating and building power for the people who weren’t being heard. But more than that, she’s been a source of deep wisdom and moral clarity for many of us coming up in Colorado politics.” Her political savvy and presence will be greatly missed.
Atencio was very proud of her family, holding a special place for her only son, Matt. She had a big heart and shared her love unconditionally. Though miles separated them, the almost daily calls, kept them close. Atencio had one daughter-in-law, Colleen, 4 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, and numerous cousins who she kept in touch with. She also has five nieces and one nephew, one great niece and one great nephew. Atencio was preceded in death by both of her parents, her sister Lorie, brother John, and her nephew John, Jr.
Margaret will be greatly missed by her family and friends and all those she encountered. Atencio was a great example of how to be involved in life, love and community.
Services for Atencio will be held on Thursday August 28th with a Rosary and Mass at the Church of All Saints at 11:15 a.m. (2559 S. Federal Blvd. Denver).
