Felicia Eloise Martinez

Ventura, California

January 25, 1948 – December 17, 2025

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Felicia Eloise Meza Martinez, who left us on Wednesday, December 17th, 2025, after a sudden and brief illness. Felicia was born on January 25, 1948, in Ventura, California. She is the daughter of the late Juan A. and Mary M. Meza. The seventh of eight children, she has one older sister Mrs. Rosemarie Corona and two older brothers, Maurice and Ronald Meza. One sister, Lupe Bascas and three brothers Peter Meza, John Meza and Paul Meza, have passed away. Later in life, Felicia moved to Delano, California, where she raised a family with her loving husband, Gilbert Martinez.

Felicia was the cherished mother of Peter, inherited daughter Katy Valdovinos, Gilbert and daughter-in-law Danielle and Jon, and was predeceased by her beloved son Christopher Williams on Jan 31, 2004. Felicia is survived by eight grandchildren to Secily Valdovinos, Mary Jaramillo, Alexis Jaramillo, Jorden Jaramillo, Matthew Jaramillo, Allisha Williams, Marina Jaramillo and Faith Martinez and eight great-grandchildren.

Felicia worked for the Delano School District, where, as a teacher's aide, she dedicated 25 years of service before retiring. She and her husband Gilbert were deeply involved in the community, especially through the youth wrestling program, where they coached, mentored, and administered the program for over 40yrs. Their dedication helped the team compete regionally and instilled a strong sense of discipline and camaraderie in the young athletes they guided.

In 2006, Felicia was honored to be chosen as Grand Marshals of the Delano Cinco de Mayo celebration, a recognition of her many contributions to the community. Felicia taught catechism for 15yrs at Our Lady of Guadalupe. Felicia later became a devoted parishioner of St Mary of the Miraculous Medal, where she found strength, solace, and a deep sense of purpose.

Felicia’s family, friends, and community will always remember her as a loving, generous, and fiercely loyal person. She was a devoted wife to Gilbert and a nurturing, supportive mother to her children. Throughout her life, Felicia contributed to numerous causes including spending countless hours behind a sewing machine, designing and sewing uniforms for youth groups, and sewing gifts for friends and family. Felicia gave to so many charities, always advocating for her community and giving of her time and resources without hesitation.

Her legacy will live on, through the countless lives she has touched with her warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her family and friends. Felicia will be greatly missed but never forgotten.