SALT LAKE CITY — Dozens of people gathered to remember the life of a community activist who lost her battle against COVID-19.
Margarita Satini died Tuesday, several days after testing positive for the virus.
Satini was a vocal activist for the Pacific Islander community.
“With Margarita you learn truth is the fire that forges character,” said John Satini, Margarita’s brother. “She loved all you guys.”
Friends, family and fellow activists gathered to celebrate Margarita’s life and honor her tireless work that inspired others.
“There will be another woman warrior that will arise. There’s lots of them around here,” John Satini said.
The danger of the COVID-19 pandemic was also discussed. Everyone in attendance at the vigil wore a face covering.
Some wondered if the pain and suffering felt by so many Utah families since the pandemic began could have been avoided.
“The mask mandate, I’m going to say it, needs to happen,” said Amber Sundin Debirk, Margarita’s sister-in-law. “People need to take this more seriously. I think there would be a much different result.”
As the sun set on the evening, Debirk described how the community could best honor Margarita’s legacy.
“Go and vote. That was one of the most passionate things that she did,” Debirk said.
