Ofelia J. Martinez, 100, passed away peacefully and joined our Lord in His heavenly kingdom on
Wednesday, October 9, 2024, just 1 month shy of her 101 st birthday on November 10 th .

Ofelia "Mama" was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She was born in 1923 to Francisco Juarez and Herminia Cavazos, in Laredo, Texas, and remained a lifelong resident, having received a Certificate of Recognition from the City of Laredo for having achieved 100 years of life on November 10, 2023. She was the heart of her family, and she very much loved each one of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and their spouses, and each of us loved her in return. Her heart overflowed with love. She was strong and compassionate, having experienced numerous changes in this world, but she always kept a positive outlook on life despite many hardships in her life, including the loss of her mother at the age of 6, and later in life, the loss of her father,
her husband, Antonio, her son, Jesus Ruben and her daughter, Herminia. She valued education but not only that you find within the walls of a school building. She was not able to attain and complete a formal education, but she learned and gained her knowledge through endlessly reading every inch of a newspaper or magazine and watching the news daily to stay informed. She taught us all the values of family and being sure we protected and loved one another. She will be greatly missed, and we will forever cherish her. A truly awesome, strong and inspiring
woman!

Ofelia "Mama" is preceded in death by her beloved husband of seventy (70) years, Antonio Martinez, her son, Jesus Ruben Martinez, her daughter Herminia Gonzales, her great grandson, Ronaldo M. Rangel, her parents and her half-sisters.

She is survived by her children, Gloria (Marcelino) Rangel Jr. Consuelo (Ricardo) Herrera, Sylvia Martinez and Antonio (San Juanita) Martinez, Jr. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Melissa (Cesar) Carrera, Marcelino (Melisa) Rangel, Ricardo (Kimberly) Herrera, Jr., Marisela Rangel, Cynthia (Cliff) Puchalski, Leticia (Leopoldo) Garibay, Eduardo (Nicole) Gonzales, Cristina (Aaron) Thomas, Jennifer Martinez and Stephanie (Mark) Olivares. She is also survived by her numerous great grandchildren, Katherine, Carolina, Jacqueline, Alexandra, Cesar Jr., Lizette, Jimmy, Isabella, Jayla, Samantha, Liam, Dominick and Ander, and many nephews, nieces and other close relatives, neighbors and friends.

Her family would like to express their appreciation for her long-time physician, Joaquin Cigarroa, Jr., who preceded her in death, Dr. Carlos Cigarroa and nurse Karina, nurse Victor of Superior Nursing Care, and the doctors and nurses at Laredo Medical Center, including Altus Hospice for their compassion and care. The family also appreciates the great kindness and loving care, and attention provided by her caregiver, Marita.
Thank you to all who loved our beloved Mama.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 12, 2024 departing from the Hernandez, Lopez and Sons, Northside Chapels, 800 Boston St. on San Bernardo Ave . Holy Mass was celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Committal services and interment followed at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

PALLBEARERS WERE: Marcelino Rangel III, Ricardo Herrera Jr., Eduardo Gonzalez, Antonio Martinez Jr., Cesar Carrera Jr., Jimmy Puchalski and Cliff Puchalski.

HONORARY PALLBEARERS: Marcelino Rangel Jr. and Ricardo Herrera.