Phyllis Marie Dartez Martin

I received a call in January of this year that forever changed our lives. She said, ”Guess what?...I have cancer.” as if she had won a winning scratch off ticket. This was mom’s typical way of dealing with life in general. She bravely accepted challenges and dared to meet them head on.

Her attitude in dealing with her diagnosis was remarkable. She refused to let it be in control of her life right up until the last day. She was a fighter and addressed all challenges in her life with that same self-driven motivation that made her a success in every sense of the word.

After nearly 30 years of attending college, she finished her Master’s Degree in Business Administration all while working full time for MI Drilling Fluids in Houston, TX. She loved her job and derived great pleasure in being a problem solver. After recently retiring after 35 years of faithful service, she still missed her position at MI and her coworkers most of all. She even jokingly threatened to go back to work.

Mom’s second home was St. Andrews Catholic Church in Channelview where she served as choir director for almost 30 years. It was the pleasure of her life. As a child, I remember the choir gathering at our house to practice and having cake and punch afterwards. It was a time of joy my mother frequently recalled. She also spent a lot of time with the choir at church and found peace and contentment amongst the choir family as they lifted their voices and spirits high. Being with her “Flames” made her feel close to God and made her feel she was fulfilling her commitment to the music ministry. She felt no matter what, her faith would pull her through.

One of the most important roles Mom played was that of Grandma Phyllis. Cheyenne and Caitlin were so happy to see her on the weekends and frequently stayed with her during the week. They loved making cookies and testing out Mom’s latest recipes. Mom was there when the girls came into this world and they were by her side as she left it. Their little hearts were breaking, but they held it together not wanting her to see them cry. They told her they loved her and that they would see her again one day. She will forever hold a huge spot in their hearts.

With her passing, my mom made me realize I am truly blessed. She always knew just what to say to point me in the right direction. She was the one I called to ask about any advice from how to deal with my kids to finding out just the right way to cook her famous roast. I am lost for words when I think of all the questions I still have. I still find myself picking up the phone with a question and suddenly coming to the realization that she isn’t going to answer. She always told me not to worry about the number of days she had left, just concentrate on squeezing every bit of life out of each moment. I hope I one day possess the strength she has.

Mom was one of the most humble people I ever met. In her leaving this world, she connected our family with a huge network of friends, some that I had not heard from in decades. I was amazed at all the calls and emails of support we have received from her friends and family. She would have been so blown away by all the generosity, love and support. She would have been in tears, I’m sure , as she thought she never deserved the adoration. She had no idea of how many lives she touched.

She is survived by countless friends and family. Her family includes - Husband: Ronald Martin, Daughter and Family: Kimberly, Michael and Cheyenne, and Caitlin , Sister: Maurine, Brothers: Charles , George and Susan , and Curtis, Nieces and Nephews: Terry , Becky and Mark , Kathy Jo, Mary Lu, Michael Lee, Peter and Darlene and Timmy and June and more cousins than I could possible name. We love each of you.

I would like to thank the Dartez and the Orozco family for volunteering time, running errands, moving us, visits, calls, love, and all the support you have shown. I will never be able to thank you for showing Mom just how much she was loved.

Thanks to the gang at MI for making Mom so happy. She was astounded by your gift for the trip in July and was bound and determined to make the recent party. She told me how amazed she was at your love, support, and generosity.

Special thanks goes out to the St. Andrews Family for supporting her all these years and for sponsoring the reception dinner. I couldn’t have asked for more. Just remember when you sing, she is still listening and probably directing.

Hazel Lingtag, Susan Hernandez, and last but not least, Sheila Celistino. You three have been instrumental in helping me plan the funeral I know Mom was sorry she missed.

Thanks also to Tammy and John Tackett of Outcast Country Cookers for providing the smoked brisket, sausage, and chicken for the reception. You have been awesome.

Thanks to Father Christopher who took the time to come see Mom while she was in the hospital. I know she considered you a very wise young man and frequently spoke highly of you. I was so glad she got to see you and I know she would have loved that you performed the mass for her to send her to her final resting place lifted by prayers and love.

One more special thanks goes out to a very special person….Becky Cleugh. We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being there with Mom and for us. You kept us both laughing through possibly the hardest thing we have ever had to do. Letting go is never easy, but you keep our spirits high and walked the road with us all the way. Mom was so proud of you and had faith that you would be the glue that held us together. Once again, she was right…

Mom, rest now…you’ve earned it. We will forever miss you, but you will always be alive in our hearts and in our memories.

Please join us in celebrating Phyllis’s life with her family and friends.

Thursday November 3rd, 2011:

Visitation from 5-7 pm with Rosary at 6:30pm followed by memoirs

St. Andrews Church, 827 Sheldon Road, Channelview, TX 77530

Friday, November 4th, 2011:

Funeral Services 10 am - Please consider wearing pastel colors apparel

St. Andrews Church, 827 Sheldon Road, Channelview, TX 77530

Internment service to follow at Forest Park East, 21620 Gulf Fwy,League City Exit, Webster TX 77598

Lunch Reception following at St. Andrews at 1pm.