Delfina Martinez Sanchez

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Delfina Martinez Sanchez who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Delfina was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Delfina knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

Delfina was born on 16 de noviembre de 1918 in Miami, Arizona. Her parents were Fructoso and Maura Martinez. Delfina was raised in Tecomate, Jalisco. Even as a youngster, Delfina learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

As a young girl, Delfina was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Delfina was raised with seven siblings. She had Augustina, Viviana, Maria, Elivoria, Juan, Esther, and Lupe. Delfina had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Delfina, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.

Delfina's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Delfina enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Delfina took part in matatena (jacks). In her spare time she liked gardening and knitting. Delfina's memorable achievements included ranching.

Delfina was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. She wasn’t afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, she challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Delfina came to expect her high standards of performance. While growing up, some of her best friends were Delia Elias, Belia Valverde, and Licha Valverde. Later in life, she became friends with Dorotea Valverde and Abigail Diaz.

An objective and conscientious individual, Delfina reveled in the security of her family. One of Delfina’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.

Delfina was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Delfina would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Delfina was blessed with eight children, five sons, Miguel, Manuel, Richard, Eduardo, and Javier, and three daughters, Rebeca, Estela, and Rosa Maria.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Delfina was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. Her primary occupation was ama de casa (housewife).

Delfina approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were gardening and knitting. Delfina was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Faith was important to Delfina. She held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay she saw around her. For that reason she held deep spiritual beliefs that she was willing to share. She was a member of Holy Name of Mary in San Dimas, California.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Delfina used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Delfina had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included La Sierra De San Pedro Martir, B.C. and Valle De Guadalupe, B.C.

Delfina was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Delfina’s favorites was a sheed named "Llayo" (6 years) and a parrot named Chacho (20 years).

Delfina passed away on 15 de enero del 2012 at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center. She is survived by eight children and all her grandchildren. Services were held at Oakdale Memorial Chapel. Delfina was laid to rest in Oakdale Memorial Park in Glendora, California.

All who knew her would agree that Delfina was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Delfina Martinez Sanchez did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.