Martha Amelia Fernandez

Martha Amelia Fernandez, born on March 23, 1948, in Torreon, Mexico and raised in El Paso, Texas, passed away peacefully at the age of 77, surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren, after a courageous battle with illness. Everyone whom she nurtured, guided, and loved with unwavering tenderness remained faithfully by her side.

Martha was known for her deep faith in God, her warm and loving nature, her beautiful smile, her love for telenovelas, her enjoyment of football, yes, a 49ers fan —and, most of all, her love and commitment to her family. Together with her beloved husband, they shared a passion for cooking, and their kitchen was a place of joy, laughter, and family time. They made sure family helped with kitchen duties, especially during the holidays; it was a way to bring everyone together.

She was very religious and always spoke the name of the Lord. She had been a member of the Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church since 2006. After the COVID pandemic, she stopped attending in-person mass in fear of becoming ill but never missed her mass on TV. In her words, “no me llames hasta que termine misa.” Her two rules were: do not call me during church time or during the finale of her telenovelas.

Family was at the heart of Martha’s life. Growing up among 10 siblings, she cherished her large family and the strong ties they shared. To be loved by Martha was to be protected, encouraged, and lifted. Her laughter, loyalty, faith, and strength will live on forever in the hearts of those she touched.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Francisco Fernandez; her grandson, Jeremy Felipe Fernandez; her parents; and four of her siblings. She is survived by her six children: sons Heriberto Felipe Fernandez, Jose Santiago Fernandez, and Agustin Fernandez; and daughters Maria Magdalena Fernandez, Diana Veronica Fernandez, and Yvonne Jessica Fernandez. She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Andrew Anthony Leaman, Katrina Lynn Fernandez, Christian Scott Leaman, Hennessy Monique Araujo, Mercedes Alexis Gracias, Jayla Ashlee Kaminski, Jaslene Nicole Jordan, Jenavieve Marie Jordan, Aubree Rae Kaminski, and Riley Jeannette Kaminski. She also leaves her great-granddaughters, Ariel Reign Leaman and Areli Martha Leaman. She is further survived by her siblings, Juanita Wagner, Benita and Armando Moreno, Felipa Hughes, Antonio and Hilda Diaz, Rosario and Hector Herrera, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family extends their gratitude to all who stood beside Martha and them during her time of need.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Hilcrest Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Vigil/Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, September 24th, at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Martha will be laid to rest through cremation.