Bernardina O. Martinez

She came to the United States in 1962, accompanied by her oldest son and two oldest daughters. She and her husband Martin (deceased) had met and married in Ocampo, Guanajuato, Mexico. He was employed as a farm worker and made the decision to bring his small, but growing family to the United States for the chance of a better life and greater opportunities. Bernardina made a home in the area now known as Santa Clarita, CA. Eventually, they took their growing family to Kern County and settled in Mettler. Bernardina was employed by the El Tejon School District as a cook for Mettler School for several years, retiring in 1993.

A devoted Catholic, she was active in her church both in her hometown of Ocampo, MX and where she resided in Bakersfield, CA. She supported young aspiring priests in seminary and as they became fully ordained.

Bernardina was a person who loved unconditionally and opened her home to anyone who needed a place to land and recover. Without knowing, she provided wisdom and guidance to many. Bernardina was loved and respected by her extended family in Mexico and many of the people of Ocampo, Guanajuato, her hometown. She was known for her generosity and compassion to those less fortunate. She has left her family with the life lessons of love, compassion, empathy and joy! Having been raised on a ranchito she enjoyed being outdoors and had a love for all creatures, in particular songbirds.

Bernardina was preceded in death by her husband, Martin Martinez Puente, her parents Asunción and Florencia Ochoa, her youngest son Martin Isidro Martinez. Bernardina is survived by Joe Martinez, Mirella de la Concepcíon Oakley(Christopher), Maria Macarena Martinez, Gustavo Martinez (Sylvia), Francisco Javier Martinez, Margarita Martinez, Arcadio Guadalupe Martinez (Ilene), Maria de la Luz Martinez, 18 Grandchildren and 11 Great Grandchildren and many others who knew her as Abuelita and Mama Nina.

Rosary and viewing will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Chapel on Sunday September 15, from 4:00 PM-7:00 PM. Funeral mass will be on Monday September 16 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 10:00 AM. Graveside services will be held afterwards at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Hoffman Hospice or the St. Vincent DePaul society in her name.

"If we do not learn to forgive one another, we will always be at war. As the Lord has forgiven you, so should you do. But if you do not know how to forgive, you are not a Christian, because you do not do as the Lord did."- Homily by Pope Francis 10/19/2015.