Catherine "Cathy" Martinez

Born in Tampa, Florida on September 30, 1935, to Peter S. and Cecilia Cimino, Cathy was a proud Floridian through and through—salt-of-the-earth, strong as they come, and full of natural, effortless goodness.

She was never flashy, never fancy—though, she was beyond glamorous when she wanted to be. But Cathy’s beauty was always more about spirit than sparkle. Fierce when she needed to be, loyal beyond reason, and compassionate to the core, she lived her life lifting others and doing what was right—without hesitation and without fanfare.

Cathy grew up with five brothers—Peter, Louis, Bernard, Richard, and David—and didn’t even learn to drive until she was 21, because her big brothers took care of everything. As the only girl, she was lovingly known by nearly everyone in Tampa simply as “Sister.” She and her youngest brother David were especially close, often joined at the hip, but all her brothers fiercely adored and protected her. It’s no wonder she became such a force of strength herself—she was raised by it, surrounded by it, and grew into her own kind of powerful.

She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Tampa in 1953, one of just 26 young women in a tight-knit class that remained close long after graduation. Cathy then went on to pursue nursing—a calling more than a career—and earned her RN from St. Vincent’s Hospital School of Nursing in Jacksonville in 1956. She went on to become a respected and admired nurse, known not only for her clinical knowledge but for her empathy, directness, and fierce advocacy. She never hesitated to speak up—whether it was for a patient or for a peer who needed help.

It was on a blind date arranged by friends that she met the love of her life, John Martinez Sr. He was immediately smitten. And after several proposals (five, to be exact), she finally said yes on Valentine’s Day, 1960. They were married just a few months later on May 14 in Tampa, beginning a 63-year love story rooted in respect, laughter, family, and faith.

Their marriage, like any real one, weathered its share of ups and downs—but through it all, Cathy often said of John, “He was always there.” And for that, she was truly grateful.

Together they raised three children and built a life anchored in love, honesty, and a deep sense of doing what’s right. Cathy was a fiercely devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She was the kind of mom who would stand up to anyone—anyone—if she thought her children, or anyone else in need, deserved defending. Her momma bear spirit was matched only by her warmth, her loyalty, and her unapologetic authenticity. Famous quote and it’s a fave “That’s just Dumb”.

Cathy loved music and the arts. She played piano, sang in the glee club, and later in life found joy in crafts, painting, and reading. She was a natural hostess, a beach lover, and a fierce believer in friendship. Her circle was wide, but her bonds were deep.

She is survived by her children, John Martinez Jr. (Ou), Cathy Goins (Sean), and Chrissy Kavanagh (Dave); and by her beloved grandchildren, Cameron and Tyler Goins and Jack, Conor, and Myla Kavanagh. She was preceded in death by her husband John, her parents, and her five brothers.

Cathy will be deeply missed by all who knew her—but her legacy lives on in the strength, kindness, humor, and heart she instilled in those around her. She was brave, beautiful, and completely herself—and in being so, she gave others permission to do the same.

Cathy loved flowers—but she also had a lifelong passion for nursing and caring for others. If you'd like to honor her memory, the family welcomes flowers or a donation to:

The Daisy Foundation – Expressing Gratitude to Nurses Through Meaningful Recognition

https://www.daisyfoundation.org/how-help

But most of all, your love, prayers, and shared memories are what matter most.

A reception gathering for Cathy will be held Sunday, August 31st, from 12pm to 1pm, with a memorial service at 1 pm at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 2853 Sunset Point Rd., Clearwater, FL 33759. A committal service will occur from 2-2:30 pm.

Feel free to dress comfortably and colorfully for this celebration of life.