Lenore Martinez Martinez-Castro

Lenore Marie Martinez-Castro, of Ventura, passed away in the evening of August 25, 2012, in Ventura following a day filled with love and celebration with family and friends. She was born on October 22, 1949 in Santa Barbara. She was the first of six Martinez children.

Lenore graduated from Ventura High School and studied Psychology at Cal State University Northridge. She is preceded in death by her father, Benjamin Lionel Martinez, who passed suddenly at the young age of 38, leaving his young wife Lucia Holguin Martinez to care for the family. As the eldest of the siblings, Lenore returned home from college to help her mother care for and raise her three sisters and two brothers. This event had a profound impact on Lenore, always searching for the “lesson that was to be learned” of God’s intention. One thing she would always say she learned from this event was to always tell “her people” how she felt and that she loved them. Lenore once wrote,” I love my family so much. I enjoy, respect and am proud of the people they choose to be.” She felt she was blessed with parents who instilled in their children a love of family, friends, and community. Through many holidays, birthdays, and family gatherings Lenore was always there helping to hold the family together.

Lenore first met Raul Andres Castro, while he was sitting at her mother’s kitchen table. He became the love of her life, partner and soul-mate. They were married on Valentine’s Day in 1975. She traveled stateside and overseas with her husband who had joined the Army shortly after they were married. Lenore was fiercely devoted to her husband as he to her. For 37 dedicated and wonderful years the two shared their love, faith, life experiences, tears and laughter with each other, and all whose paths they crossed.

Lenore was a natural teacher, involving herself in various tutoring programs. She and her husband touched many lives along the way and they were always thankful for the blessings they too received. One of her favorite quotes was from Maya Angelou, “God gave you two hands – One to receive (your blessings) and the other to give (blessings)”. Lenore embraced life with such passion and a sense of amazement, wonderment, and joy that she lit up a room when she walked in and later commanded the attention of all in a room as she shared a story with those around her. Later in years when her health became compromised she refused to give up relying on her faith and sense of humor working hard to “count it all joy” and make the best of her situation.

Lenore loved her books, gardening, orchids, birds, and writing in her journals. Her greatest joy was the time spent with her nieces, nephews and godsons, telling them stories, creating memory books, playing dress-up and coloring with them when they were young, then later discussing books and sharing ideas as they grew into young adults.

She leaves behind her sister Laura (David Correia, godson David and nephew Daniel), brother Benjamin Jr ( Sherrie Martinez), sister Anna (Mauro Rivero and nephew Benjamin ); brother Ron Martinez and brother-in-law Steve Graham, nephew Bobby (Kristi and niece/nephew Brianna and Brendon), and godson Anthony Perez.

We would laugh until we cried and always felt her warmth and genuine sense of caring for everyone around her. Although she has left a void in our hearts, we know she was welcomed home into God’s house by her Mother, Lucia Martinez, Sister Virginia Graham and numerous aunts and uncles, as well as many extended honorary family members. A celebration of her life will be held at Charles Carroll Funeral Home, 15 Teloma Drive, Ventura, CA on Sat. Sept. 8, 2012 at 1:00 pm.