This story has been updated. Please see editor’s note below.
Longtime Malibu resident Margaret Jane Hemenez died on Jan. 26. She was 99 years old.
Hemenez was born on July 10, 1916 in Salt Lake City, Utah and moved to California with her family as a child. She attended UCLA, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education. For many years, Hemenez taught in the Los Angeles school system and eventually served as a vice principal at Palisades High School, University High School and Gardena High School.
Jane married Louciano Hemenez in 1969. They were married for 38 years, during which they traveled and actively participated in the Malibu Historical Society.
Hemenez was honored by California State Parks in 2003 for her many hours of volunteer work at Malibu historical sites. In 2013, she published her memoirs in the book “Malibu: A Good Way of Life” at age 97.
“Jane leaves us with five simple tips for a long and happy life — be friendly, do work that you enjoy, lead an active lifestyle, stay close to family and live in Malibu if you can,” a loved one said. “She will be dearly missed.”
Hemenez is survived by many nephews, nieces, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Funeral services will take place on Feb. 27 at Our Lady of Malibu Catholic Church at noon.
Editor’s note: The story has been changed to reflect the correct wording of the deceased’s name.