Margaret “Margo”Denzine Espinosa
In loving memory of Margaret “Margo”Denzine Espinosa, who lived a remarkable life filled with love, learning, service, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to the people and community around her.
Margo was born in Springfield, Minnesota, on December 11, 1928, to Dr. Carl Denzine, DDS, and Viola “Vi” Denzine (Turvold). From an early age, she developed a deep love of learning and a desire to share that love with others. She graduated from Springfield High School and went on to earn a teaching degree from Macalester University. Her thirst for knowledge never faded, and in 1952 she completed graduate studies in children’s theater at the University of Minnesota.
After teaching in Minnesota for five years, Margo moved to Reno in 1957 to accept a teaching position at Reno High School. It was there that her life took another wonderful turn. Friends introduced her to Howard Espinosa, a fellow educator who taught at Central Junior High School. They married in 1958 and began a partnership that would last a lifetime.
Margo continued her education through graduate studies in speech pathology at the University of Nevada, Reno. Education was not simply a career for her—it was a calling. She believed deeply in the power of education to enrich lives, open doors, and give people greater opportunities. She carried that belief with her throughout her life.
Margo gave generously of her time, talents, and energy to her community. She was deeply involved in local and national politics, founded the Republican Women’s Club in Reno, and served as its president. Her dedication was recognized when she was selected as a Nevada Republican National Convention delegate, an honor she treasured.
She also had a special love for the arts and for children. Margo was a co-founder of the local American Association of University Women and Margaret Joan Espinosa founded Nevada’s first children’s theater, the Reno Little Theater Association. She served the Washoe County Community Concert Association in numerous positions for ten years. Her many contributions to her community were recognized in 1980 when she was selected for Who’s Who of American Women.
Even retirement could not keep Margo away from teaching. In 1985, her love of education brought her back to the classroom through the Washoe County Adult Literacy Program. She continued to share her knowledge, encouragement, and belief in others, proving that a true teacher never really stops teaching.
Those who knew Margo will remember much more than her many accomplishments. They will remember her strength, determination, curiosity, intelligence, and willingness to become involved in the things she cared about. She had a generous spirit and a genuine desire to make a difference.
Whether through teaching, community service, the arts, or her family, Margo gave of herself wholeheartedly.
Above all, Margo cherished her family. She leaves behind her beloved husband, Howard B. Espinosa; her loving son, Dr. Karl Espinosa, M.D. (Alyssa Spencer), of Phoenix, Arizona; and her much-loved granddaughters, Karly Espinosa and Kassidy Espinosa of Phoenix. They were a treasured part of her life, and the love she had for them will continue through the generations.
Margo was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Tanya Espinosa of Reno; her sister, Mary Foster of Maryland; and her parents, Dr. Carl Denzine, DDS, and Viola “Vi” Denzine.
Margo’s life touched countless people. Her legacy lives on through the family she loved so dearly, the students she taught, the community she served, and the many lives she enriched along the way. She leaves behind not only a remarkable record of accomplishments, but also the lasting gift of having made the world a little better through her dedication, compassion, and love.
She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.