Margie Yahyavi

Margie Yahyavi passed away peacefully in Santa Barbara on Sunday, January 28th, 2024, with her loving family by her side.

Margie was born in Sebring, Florida, in 1955. At the young age of five, Margie and her family moved to Santa Barbara, a place that would become her lifelong home and the canvas for her extraordinary contributions.

Margie’s beautiful life served as a beacon of love, generosity and unwavering commitment to uplifting those around her and the broader community.

Margie’s love for others was so beautifully evident in the life and home she built around her family. Within the walls of her home, she raised two sons she loved and adored deeply, instilling in them the values of love and generosity she held dear. Her home not only belonged to her husband and sons, it also became a place that many called home throughout the years. She regularly opened her doors for days, months and even years to extended family members, opera singers, soccer coaches, and anyone in need of support. Margie’s home was a place where everyone was not only welcomed, but treated as family. This open-hearted generosity and the deep and meaningful bonds she fostered within her home were true embodiments of her loving nature and her desire to comfort, love, and uplift those around her.

Margie’s generosity and contribution extended far beyond the walls of her own home. Recognizing the power of education and the arts to transform lives, she became a formidable force within the Santa Barbara education system. Her leadership with the Santa Barbara Education Foundation became her mission and legacy in Santa Barbara — a testament to her belief in the potential of every child and the community’s future.

During her 12-year tenure as the Executive Director for the Santa Barbara Education Foundation, Margie made a lasting impact in the Santa Barbara community. She championed music education in the Santa Barbara Unified School District, ensuring access to instruments and music programs for all students. Margie was instrumental in focusing efforts on critical areas such as literacy, recognizing the importance of reading proficiency and teacher development in shaping a brighter future for every student. Her leadership extended beyond academics; during the pandemic, she established emergency funds that provided wi-fi access and warm clothing for students in need. Each initiative she touched was infused with her spirit of generosity and a relentless drive to uplift and empower others.

Margie’s life was a symphony of love, generosity, and community—a melody that will resonate forever within the hearts of those she touched.

To honor her life and contribution, you may extend her legacy by making a donation to the Santa Barbara Education Foundation.

A memorial service will be held on February 17, 2024. Please contact the family for more information about the service.