Josephine Z. Martinez

Josephine immigrated to the United States at the age of 17 with the help of her uncle, Rodolfo Quijano. Shortly after, she met the love of her life, Arthur, and they married on June 2, 1963. Over the course of her career, Josephine dedicated more than 40 years to working at Phil Rich Fan Manufacturing Company, Goodman Manufacturing, and Toshiba Corporation. She help numerous supervisory and leadership roles, demonstrating an incredible work ethic that she proudly passed on to her two children.

Affectionately known as "Tía Fina" by her nieces and nephews and "Josie" by her close friends, Josephine was the heart of her family. She was incredibly loyal to her siblings and treasured the close bond they shared. She found immense pride and joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, cherishing every moment spent with them.

A devout Catholic, Josephine was highly committed to a life of faith and service to Jesus Christ. Her unwavering devotion and spirituality were a cornerstone of her life and a source of inspiration to her family and friends.

Josephine was also known for her striking emerald green eyes, which reflected her fiercer personality and vibrant spirit. Her passion for shopping, especially with her granddaughters, and her pride in being the family's fashionista added to her charm. Her legacy of love, strength, and faith will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arthur Martinez; mother, Socorro Zapata; father, Fidel Zapata; brother, Edward; and sisters, Consuelo and Graciela.

She is survived by son, Arthur Martinez Jr. (Holley Nguyen); daughter, Cynthia Rios and late husband Don Rios; grandchildren, Erika Leach and husband Tyler Leach, Lauren Martinez, Madyson Martinez, Phillip Rios, Krystin Rios, Savannah Rios, and Gabriela Rios; great grandsons, Bowen and Gunnar Leach; brothers, Rogelio and Juan Zapata; sisters, Lourdes Leos and Silvia Zuniga; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Serving as pallbearers are Arthur Martinez Jr., Phillip Rios, Tyler Leach, Roger Zapata, Adrian Zapata, and Eddie Reyes.

A visitation for Josephine will be held Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039. A funeral service is scheduled to take place on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 2131 Lauder Rd, Houston, TX 77039; followed by burial at Brookside Memorial Park.

Special thanks to Horizons Hospice for their amazing care, especially Josephine’s nurses, Lauren and Nicole, and her CNA, Keke. Their compassion and warm care will always be remembered.