Marquela del Carmen Martinez

Marquela del Carmen Cantos Martínez, age 72, of Pinole, California, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 15, 1953, in Panamá, Republic of Panamá, to the late Amelia Azcárraga de Cantos and Horacio Manuel Cantos.

She was the beloved wife of the late Germán G. Martínez. Marquela and Germán (Papitín) were married in 1974 in Panamá and shared a devoted partnership until his passing.

Cherished mother of Amelia Martínez-Bankhead (Bill Bankhead) and Germán G. Martínez, Jr. (Roxy Martínez). Loving grandmother of Chloe Martínez and Antonio Bankhead.

Marquela was a lifelong educator, earning a degree in Humanities from the University of Panamá and a Master’s degree in Child Development from Saint Mary’s College of California. She was a trained Montessori teacher and dedicated her career to early childhood education, teaching pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, and serving in administrative roles. Her classroom was a place of discovery, joy, and kindness.

She is also survived by many extended family members and dear friends across the United States, Panamá, Ecuador, and beyond.

Marquela was known for her generosity, laughter, and the joy she brought to every space. She loved to dance, celebrate, and make those around her feel loved and seen. She remained closely connected to her Panamanian roots and community.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Germán G. Martínez; her parents, Amelia Azcárraga de Cantos and Horacio Manuel Cantos; as well as her brothers, Rodrigo de Boutaud and Alfredo Cantos.

Her kindness, strength, and light will continue to shine in the lives of all who knew her.