Margarita DeSoto

Passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025, at Lakeview Assisted Living in Battle Creek, MI.

She was born in Detroit, MI, to Pedro and Delores Ponce. Margarita spent her early childhood in Mexico City, where she attended grade school and high school. After several years, her family returned to Detroit.

In 1955, she married the love of her life, James “Jimmy” Soto. After his passing Margarita worked for the YMCA, located where Comerica Park now stands. In 1971, she embraced a new adventure and made Florida her home. She worked at IVEY’s department store before beginning her favorite career with the Waly Disney World Company.

Margarita proudly worked for Walt Disney World for 17 years, a career that perfectly matched her playful spirited nature. She began as a Mickey Mouse character, later worked in food and beverage at EPCOT and eventually found her home as a greeter and usher at Disney Hollywood Studios. She finished her career welcoming guests at the Beauty and the Beast stage show, where her warmth, smile and joyful presence made every guest feel special.

Margarita is survived by her children; Peggy (Bob) Callender, Patricia Donaldson and Carlos Soto; her grandchildren, Adam (Melissa), Anthony, James (Brittany) Callender, Heather DeSoto, Meghean (Jim) Irey, Stephanie O’Boyle, Tina Hilgado, Michael Soto, Amber Quinones, Brandon (Allison) Soto and many great- grandchildren including, Aiden and Olivia Callender, Brady, Caidence, Rilan Callender, Brielle, Baylee, Samantha, Emmie, Andrew, Jaxon, Dylan, Connor, Robert, Shoncea, Leighlani, Pheonix, Alexis, Sloan, Gabriel, Skyler, Zavior and Bradley. She is also survived by her sister, Nony Danko and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy Soto; her parents, Pedro and Delores Ponce; a stepfather, Leon Levesque, and siblings, Josephine Elizondo, Luis Ponce and Pascual (Jerry) Ponce.

In her younger years Margarita loved to roller skate, a pastime that showed her playful and lively spirit. Later in life, she became quite the world traveler, she embraced every opportunity to see new places. No matter where life took her, Margarita carried the same joy, curiosity and vibrant energy that made her so deeply loved by all who knew her.

Honoring Margarita’s wishes cremation has taken place. A Celebration of her life will be held in the Summer of 2026. www.henryfuneralhome.org