Yara O. Martinez

Born in Cuba, Yara arrived in Miami in 1969, courageously seeking freedom and a better future for her family. A pillar of strength, she worked tirelessly to support her three children, holding two jobs while her husband Celedonio was hospitalized for a year. She would subsequently work as the receptionist at St. John Bosco Church, where her unwavering faith and kindness touched many lives.

Her sacrifices and indomitable spirit were a testament to her boundless love and devotion as a mother. Yara’s humor, resilience, and grace will live on in her family and all who were blessed to know her. Yara was predeceased by her husband Celedonio in 1984.

Public Defender Martinez credits his mother for instilling his passion for social justice and helping the poor. Carlos is particularly grateful that his mom was present at his recent swearing in ceremony. He was able to publicly recognize her hard work and the sacrifices she and his father made for them to live and prosper in a free country.

Yara is survived by her children Yara, Carlos and Sergio, son-in-law Marc, her grandchildren Yazmin and Ramzey, great grandchildren Layanne, Karam, Noor and Rayan, her niece Ileana, nephew Juan, cousin Marlen, and their spouses, children, and grandchildren. Her family, friends from Cuba, friends at Brisas Del Mar and La Colonia on NW 7th Street, and Public Defender employees will miss Yara dearly. As many in the Public Defender family know, for many years she was the life of the holiday party.

The Martinez family asks for your prayers during this difficult time.

The viewing will be at Caballero Rivero Funeral Home, 3344 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33135 on Thursday, January 30th from 5 pm - 9 pm, and the service and burial will be at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Cemetery, 11411 NW 25th Street, Miami, FL 33172 on Friday, January 31st, at 10 am.