Blandina “Blondie” Reyes (Martinez) beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend entered heaven and eternal life in God’s arms on November 17, 2018. Blondie was born and raised in Stockton and graduated from Franklin High School. As a young lady, she travelled throughout the Central Valley playing with her siblings in the Pete Martinez Band. Their music and her piano playing brought joy to many, and provided a lifetime of memories. She worked in the canneries for over 30 years, where she formed strong bonds of friendship with her co-workers. Blondie was a kind and loving woman and would touch people wherever she went. Blondie met her husband, Joe Reyes, while a teenager. They married in 1962 and shared 56 wonderful years of life together. They raised three children and provided a beautiful home filled with laughter, love, and strength, with Blondie’s compassion serving as the foundation.
She is survived by her husband and their children, Joseph Reyes (Lourdes), Monica Madrid (Tony), and Caroline Reyes (Keith); her brothers Richard and Xavier Martinez; and her sister Yvette Murillo. Her spirit is carried on by her five grandsons, Anthony, Joseph, Michael, Eric, and Daniel, who she loved with all her heart. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ignacio and Felipa Martinez; her sister, Tillie Martinez, and her brothers, Tony and Pete Martinez.
Visitation will be held at De Young Memorial Chapel on 601 N. California Street, on Sunday, November 25th from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with A Rosary Prayer Service following at 5:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass in memory and honor of Blondie will be held on Monday, November 26th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Gertrude Church. Burial services will follow at San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery.
