Martha T. Samaniego

Martha was born on February 5, 1951 in Estacion Coahuila, Baja California, Mexico to Roberto Teran Soto and Dolores Ruiz Teran.

She is survived by her husband Jose G. Samaniego and their three children: Jesus (Pat), Alma Dolores (Jesus), Martha, and their six grandchildren: Nancy, Patrick, Jesus G., Katie, Carolyn, and Eduardo, twelve siblings and countless nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roberto and Dolores and an older sister Rosa.

She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher and friend.

She immigrated to the United States in 1968 at age 17 and spent some time in Texas before settling in San Jacinto, CA in 1977.

In her early life she worked as a maid, seamstress, factory worker and caretaker of the elderly. It was during this time that she also became a US citizen.

In her late 30s, she pursued and achieved a teaching degree from California State University at San Bernardino and later a Master's Degree in Education from Azusa Pacific University. She began her teaching career at Banning Unified School District before moving to Moreno Valley Unified School District. While at both school districts, she was an elementary school teacher but she also led many before-and-after school programs such as tutoring, fitness and wellness, cultural-dances and many other activities. She last worked at Serrano Elementary School in Moreno Valley, as a 2nd grade teacher, until she was forced into retirement by terminal cancer.

She was a Saint Anthony's Catholic Church parishioner since becoming a resident of San Jacinto and developed many friendships through her involvement with the church.

She was an avid traveler, visiting almost every U.S. state, thirty-one Mexican states, the Caribbean Islands, Central America, South America and Europe.

Above all, she loved spending time with her family.

She was the primary organizer of many family reunions, family vacations and excursions. She'd never pass up a trip that included spending time or involved her family. Her most treasured trips were her "one-in-lifetime" trips that she shared with each of her six grandchildren.

She will be missed by all.