Linda Marie Martinez

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Linda Marie Martinez, a remarkable woman whose journey ended peacefully on June 26, 2023, in Tucson, AZ. Her loved ones and friends surrounded her at her hospital bedside at death. She was born in Oceanside, CA, on September 10, 1960.

Linda's strength and resilience carried her through an extended hospital stay, facing complications arising from coronary heart disease and juvenile type 1 diabetes. She bravely fought these challenges until her final breath. Linda's legacy of love and devotion extends beyond her earthly presence. Linda's loving husband of 39 years, Ralph S. Martinez, survives her. Their love story began at Mira Costa College in Oceanside, CA, when they met at a bus bench.

Her memory lives on through her two cherished daughters, Rachel Marie Martinez, and Kayla Marie Martinez. As a young mother, she enjoyed countless beach days with her daughters, youth cheerleading practices and watching them at horse backing lessons. Also, four adored grandchildren survive her: Jaycen, Sophia, Nico, and Rayden.

Linda embraced many roles with unwavering commitment – a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, niece, cousin, and friend. Ralph, her husband, poignantly expressed, "I loved Linda, and there was no one like her!" Her generosity of spirit and zest for life left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Her faith was a cornerstone of her character. Linda was a devout Christian whose dedication to prayer was genuine and inspirational. Linda's daughter Kayla recalls: "She loved playing her Christian hymns every morning to start the day off right." Linda was baptized at The Carlsbad Union Church at age twelve. She rededicated her life to Christ in her late twenties. Her prayerful nature was a testament to her compassion, and she dedicated countless hours to lifting the needs of others in prayer. Her sister Cheryl says: "I coveted Linda's prayers. Her prayers remain one of the greatest gifts of my life. Peace would come in a crisis whenever she prayed for me."

Linda's impact reached beyond her immediate family; she was an active member of Calvary Chapel Oceanside, contributing her time to women's Bible studies and Vacation Bible School for children. Her life's purpose was evident through her ability to lead others through prayer to a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ.

Linda's selflessness knew no bounds. She was a beacon of compassion and mercy, consistently placing the needs of others before her own. Her empathy resonated deeply, leaving an enduring legacy of kindness. Her daughters recall: "She had a servant's heart, and she was always there to lend a helping hand."

Beyond her loving relationships, Linda was an intrepid world traveller. She and her husband resided in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for five years, embracing diverse cultures and fostering cherished friendships. Her explorations extended across the United States, where she revelled in exploring Dubai, Portugal, and London. Most of all, Linda loved outdoor camping; those were her most cherished times with her husband and family. From the serene beauty of the Western Sierra Mountains to the majesty of Yellowstone and the historical foundations of the United States at Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown, VA. Linda's thirst for adventure was boundless.

Creation held a special place in Linda's heart, cultivated through cherished times at her grandparent's cabin in Mt. Palomar, CA. Linda's Arizona desert garden remains a haven for quail and hummingbirds. Kayla says: "Our favorite activity was sharing plants and visiting gardens together." A lifetime member of "the early risers club", she spent the dawn watching the wildlife feed in her garden. Despite numerous health challenges, Linda's tenacity and resilience inspired all who knew her. Her mother, Ruth, adds: "Linda was active, persevering, fun and a survivor!" Her determination to manage her diabetes through a disciplined diet, exercise, and participation in medical research trials reflected her unyielding spirit.

Linda's memory lives on in the hearts of her surviving family: her devoted husband, two daughters, four grandchildren, a son-in-law to be, Jonathon Nuno, her mother, Ruth Clark, a brother, Brian Clark and sister-in-law Darci Clark, sisters, Cheryl Wilcox and Katherine Dabney and brother-in-law, Thomas Dabney, sister-in-law, Gloria Rodamer, four nieces, four nephews, a great nephew, her uncle Larry and Joanne Borden, an aunt Joan Borden, and all her beloved first cousins.