Guadalupe Martinez, 86, of Corpus Christi, Texas passed away peacefully on October 4, 2021 surrounded by her family. Guadalupe was born on a farm in Concepcion, Texas on October 2, 1935. She was the oldest of eight children born to Jacinto and Herminia (Silva) Rodriguez.
Lupe, as she was known by family and friends, loved sharing endless stories about her fondest memories which she called the “the good old golden years.” During her early years, Lupe picked cotton and was exceptionally proud about how much cotton she could pick in a day. Through this hard work, her strength and responsibility would be part of who she became.
Lupe met the love of her life Jose (Choma), of 63 years, on a school bus while attending Premont High School. Together Lupe and Choma raised six children in a home filled with deeply rooted family values. Lupe’s family was her primary focus, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and selflessness to her children and grandchildren.
Even though Lupe’s primary “life occupation” was being a mother, she acquired different jobs during her professional working days. She devoted a 17-year career with the Corpus Christi State School. Lupe worked as a night shift supervisor and cared for countless children as if they were her own. She made a significant difference in these children’s life.
Lupe’s most cherished moments with Choma were listening and dancing to “conjunto” music and socializing with family and friends over a game of cards. One of her favorite places to be was her home, where the family gathered as she prepared traditional meals. Occasionally, she surprised them with a meal from her collection of recipes torn out of magazines. In later years, Lupe developed a passion for taking care of rescued animals. Most would eventually become her household pets. This positive spirit and energy inspired all who knew her.
Lupe valued tradition and simplicity. She was a fan of the Corpus Christi Caller Times. Much like social media of today, this newspaper kept her current with all the latest news, something she looked forward to daily.
Lupe modeled various life skills for her children that they would need to be successful: determination, fairness, and integrity. Her memories and life lessons will continue to live in their hearts forever.
Guadalupe was preceded in death by her husband Jose Maria Martinez Jr., daughter, Irma (Mimi) Martinez. her parents, brothers; Santos Rodriguez, Jacinto Rodriguez Jr., David Rodriguez, and sisters, Domitila Esquivel and Lucia Smithwick.
Left to cherish Guadalupe’s memory are her children; Olga Garza of Corpus Christi, Texas, Mary Lou Gonzalez of San Antonio, Texas, Annie Martinez of Dallas, Texas, Joseph Martinez and Robert Martinez (Elaine) of Corpus Christi, Texas; sister, Counsuelo Serna (†Moses); and brother, Roberto Rodriguez (Frances) of Alice, Texas. She was blessed with five grandchildren; Melissa Valenzuela (Samuel), Leo Garza (Mary Ann), Christina Gonzalez, Andrea Gonzalez, Orion Martinez, and six great grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, 3502 Saratoga, Corpus Christi, Texas on Thursday, October 21, 2021. Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm, with a Holy Rosary being recited at 1:30 pm, and a funeral mass to be celebrated at 2:00 pm. It will conclude with interment at 3:00 pm at Memory Gardens Funeral Home, 8200 Old Brownsville Rd., Corpus Christi, Texas.
Pall bearers for the service are Samuel Valenzuela, Joseph Valenzuela, Andrew Valenzuela, Leo Garza II, Leo Garza III, and Johnathan Garza.
To leave an online condolence to the family, please visit www.memorygardensfuneralhome.com
