Margie Ann Firenza was born February 27, 1944 in Big Spring, Texas to Forrest Cecil and Ruth Richards Appleton. She passed away Sunday, April 3rd in Lubbock, Texas. Margie grew up on a farm in the Vincent community and attended school in Coahoma, graduating in 1962 from Coahoma High School. She married Frankie John Firenza February 17, 1964 and they have made their home in Lubbock for the past 52 years. Immediately after graduating Margie began work as an operator for Southwestern Bell in Big Spring and was among the first to help introduce the public to area codes and direct dialing. She transferred to Lubbock with SWBTCo and worked in several departments until her first child, Scott, was born. She was privileged to be a stay-at-home mom to Scott and Shawn until they were in school. Margie returned to the work force fulltime in 1983 with Texas Tech University College of Architecture where for sixteen years she was an academic advisor and “mom” to hundreds of architecture students. During that time she was awarded many honors, two of which were Top Techsan and the Kleinschmidt Medal for Outstanding Service to the College of Architecture. Upon her retirement a scholarship was endowed in her name. Since retiring, she has enjoyed her family, traveling, camping, cooking, and publishing her own cookbook. Margie is survived by her husband, Frankie; children Scott and Natalie Firenza of Lubbock, Shawn and Gabrielle Firenza and their children Keagan, Kendalyn and Karlyse of Houston; her brother and sister-in-law Weldon and Jeanette Appleton of San Antonio and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Roselle Coates. The family suggests memorials in lieu of flowers to the Margie Firenza Scholarship Endowment, TTU College of Architecture, PO Box 42091, Lubbock 79409, the Vandelia Church of Christ benevolence fund, or to a charity of your choice. A celebration of her life will be held Friday, April 8, 2016 at 2:00 PM at the Vandelia Church of Christ. A tribute of Margie’s life may be found at www.memorialdesigners.net, where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for her family. The family would like to thank Dr. Close and nursing staff, the Covenant South 7th floor nurses and staff, Dr. Oblender and the Palliative care nurses and staff, and Hospice of Lubbock for their care and compassion.