Maria Martinez Montalbo

Maria Martinez Montalbo passed away peacefully at home in Riverbank, CA on July 26th, 2024. Maria was 80 years old. Born in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico on July 25th, 1944 to parents, Tirso and Rebecca Martinez, Maria was the fourth of seven children. Depending on the availability of crops, her family’s migrant work took them through Texas, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Despite these circumstances, in 1964, Maria became the first in her family to earn a high school diploma from Edgewood High School in San Antonio, TX.

After moving to Dousman, Wisconsin with her family in the summer of 1964, Maria met her eventual husband, Antonio. In another milestone, Maria became the first in her family to move away from Wisconsin to Patterson, CA to live with Antonio’s family, where she stayed while Antonio served in the Vietnam War.

Maria possessed a strong work ethic, dedicating her life to family. As a homemaker living in Manteca, CA, Maria and Antonio raised 5 boys: Antonio Jr., Luis, Esteban, David, and Javier. As her boys grew older, Maria worked in different roles, eventually spending over 12 years with, and retiring from, Motor Guard Inc. and later attended night classes at MJC to prepare for the U.S. Citizenship.

Maria is survived by her husband of 55 years, Antonio, sons Antonio Jr., Luis (Valerie), Esteban, Javier (Adelle); grandchildren who she dearly loved: Alex and Juni (Luis), Bella and Averie (Esteban), Mateo and Nola (Javier); great grandchild, Kayden (Bella); sister Rebecca Martinez of Waukesha, WI; brothers Ruben Martinez of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, and Victor Martinez of Las Vegas, NV.

Maria is preceded in death by her beloved son, David Montalbo; parents Tirso Martinez and Rebecca Salazar Martinez; brothers Tirso, Fernando, and Jorge Martinez.

A visitation will be held at Lakewood Memorial in Hughson on Thursday, August 8th from 4PM to 7PM. A Rosary Service will follow at 7PM. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 9th from 9:30AM to 10:30AM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, followed by interment at Lakewood Memorial in Hughson.

Over the last several years, while being cared for by her husband Antonio, Maria endured various health issues, showing an unrelenting resilience and a burning desire to live. On July 25th, her last day with us, Maria celebrated her 80th birthday, ate a homemade enchilada dinner cooked by her husband, danced with her granddaughter Averie, and enjoyed a birthday cake with ice cream, of course. May Maria forever rest in peace.