Maria Luisa “Licha” Martinez gained her angel wings on September 10 at her home in El Paso, Texas at the age of 93. Licha was born on March 11, 1931, the sixth of nine children born to Francisco Provencio Romero and Maria Morales Romero.
Never one to be idle, Licha worked hard her entire life. Her first job was in high school at a print shop. She went on to work at Southwestern Bell where she met the love of her life Benny Martinez. They married in 1954 at Our Lady of Guadalupe in El Paso, Texas. They always kept their faith in the Lord at the center of their 65-year marriage. She had a steadfast love and loyalty to their family. They moved to Stockton, California in 1961 where she worked at St Joseph Hospital. While working there she also helped two of her nieces secure jobs. They later returned to El Paso in 1967 where she continued her dedication to service by working at Providence Memorial Hospital.
Licha was a devout Catholic and her faith was the cornerstone of her life. She worked for many years for the Diocese of El Paso. She also served on the Women’s Auxiliary to help raise funds for St. Raphael Catholic Parish where she was an active member since 1967.
Licha was extremely creative and a talented seamstress. She could often be found making beautiful clothing for herself and family members. Many of the pieces she created have been passed down to other generations to wear and treasure. She also had an insatiable curiosity and love of reading and learning.
Licha is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Benny, daughter Genevieve, grandson Diego, great-grandson Emmanuel, and brothers Eugenio, Francisco, Dimas, Angel, Juan and Arturo Romero.
Licha leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, wisdom, and love. She is survived by her children, Richard Martinez (wife, Carla) of Richland, Washington, Theresa Ann Matthews, Joseph Arthur Martinez (wife, Sally), and James Allen Martinez (wife, Carmen) of El Paso, Texas, 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and sisters Ysela Sanchez and Dora Weese. Also left to cherish her memory are the parents of her grandchildren, Pam Tandy, Lance Matthews, Jesus Urenda and Ana Carroll.
Visitation will be held from 5pm to 8pm on Wednesday, September 18 at Funeraria del Angel Central with a vigil including rosary at 6:30pm. Funeral mass will be held on Thursday, September 19 at 12pm at St Raphael Parish with interment to follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.
