Julia Martinez Sanchez

Julia Martinez Sanchez peacefully went home to the Lord on October 23, 2014 at Seattle Harborview Medical Center after receiving the last rites. Five of her seven children, seven grandchildren, and some very dear friends gathered around her before her final moment. She was 89 years old.

Julia was married for 51 years to her loving husband Serafin Sanchez who passed away in December 2001. She is survived by seven children: Antonio (Bernardita); Carmenita (Antonio Fontillas); Anatalia (Arturo Sy); Ana Maria (Nicomedes Yambao); Felicitas Sanchez (Joe Egan); Evangeline Hebron (Sat Ramento); Rafael Sanchez (Robert Scavotto); 15 grandchildren: Rommel (Ramitess), Amelia (Randy Agaloos), Chrisjay Fontillas (Marianne), Jewel Yambao (Katherine), Charles-John Fontillas, Allan Justin Sy, Rose Jane Andrade, Arlene Joy Sy, Emerson Sanchez Hebron, Emil Jordan Hebron, Janric Yambao, Jefferson Azucenas, Ederlyn Jane Crisanto, Edward Jeremy Crisanto, and Geomar Eagan; four great grandchildren: Anne Jasmine Agaloos, Antonette Jade Agaloos, Jayden Vince Hebron, and Janella Yambao; and great, great grandson: Aedan Julian Agaloos. She is also survived by four brothers: Alejandro, Juan, and Lamberto, all residing in the Philippines; and Jose, of San Diego, CA; and two sisters: Elenita (Julio Versoza) of Covington, Washington, and Gloria (Ronald Magoun) of Victorville, California.

Julia was very fond of her grandchildren’s close friends whom she regarded and treated as her own. They have a special place in her heart; in return, Ray Tesoro, Robert Delos Reyes, Hannah Lee, Trang Tran, and Michelle Zheng dearly loved Julia.

Julia was born to Doroteo Martinez and Ana Alfaro on May 22, 1925, in Munoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. She married Serafin Sanchez in July 1950 and moved with him to Olongapo City where they raised their seven children until she immigrated to the United States in March 1985, a year after her husband. Julia and Serafin lived in southern California with daughter Carmenita and family, and then moved and lived with them in Tacoma and Puyallup, Washington from 1988 to 1992. In March 1992, after seven years of waiting, her three younger children--Felicitas, Evangeline, and Rafael, and two then toddler grandsons--Emil Jordan and Emerson Jeff--finally came to the United States. Julia then moved with them to Seattle, ultimately sharing housing with daughter Felicitas and grandsons Jefferson and Geomar for several years until her passing.

In August 2010, Julia’s prayers to reunite with her other children were answered when Antonio, Anatalia, and Ana Maria finally granted United States visas after 21 years in the process. Julia’s Christmas of 2010 was especially joyful when five other family members joined her growing clan in Washington.

The second of 11 children, Julia started working at a very young age to help her parents raise the family. She worked at the farm planting grains and vegetables, and during World War II, did laundry for the American soldiers who complemented her work and frequently gave her gifts to show appreciation. She also took dressmaking class where she created and modeled her own wedding gown during class graduation. She became a highly skilled seamstress, drawing huge clientele; but then, she chose to raise a family than venture in business and make a big name for herself. She, however, accepted sewing jobs for friends and relatives, in between taking care of seven children and home, to earn extra income for the family. For a long time, she had enjoyed sewing outfits, dance costumes, and making projects for her five daughters and some of her grandchildren. Julia also made wedding gowns for daughters Carmenita, Anatalia, and Evangeline, as well as her own outfit for her 50th wedding anniversary, which was celebrated in the Philippines in July of 2000.

Moreover, Julia possessed natural cooking skills. She only used few and simple ingredients, but her dishes always tasted so good, you couldn’t help but have seconds. She delighted her family, in-laws, and friends with savory Filipino dishes and delicatessen. Her grandson Chrisjay very much admired the neatness of her lumpia (eggroll) and asked to share with him her rolling technique, which she proudly and gladly did.

Interestingly, traveling was one of Julia’s passions. In the Philippines, she loved going places with her family, and in the United States, she made the effort to visit almost all of her relatives. She visited siblings in California and cousins in Maryland and New York. She traveled with family to Canada, Oregon, Texas, Missouri, and New Jersey. She was also looking forward to traveling to Hawaii next year to visit her grandson and his wife when they transfer to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in the fall of 2014. In March 2015, Julia was hoping to make a return visit to Palawan, Philippines to attend a reunion with her maternal relatives.

Julia had a touch of elegance. Her physical appearance captivated many. She possessed unadorned or simple beauty, but looked very charming with her sweet smile, smooth facial complexion, and good posture. Despite using a cane for support, Julia had maintained her graceful poise. She sustained her straight body posture and defined walking manner—making her a very admirable elderly lady. Julia took good care of herself, like the way she took very good care of her family.

One way to demonstrate love of life is to enjoy life itself and share those moments with others. Among other things, Julia enjoyed get-togethers, parties, and attending her children and grandchildren’s school functions. Indeed, she took pleasure in being a part of her loved ones’ special moments. She loved watching her children and grandchildren perform in different events, and taking the opportunity to admire the costumes or outfits she made for them occasionally.

Julia had been to many social gatherings and functions with her children around greater Seattle and Tacoma area, including events held by the then Sampaguita Cultural Society in Tacoma; Filipino-American League in Lakewood; Association of Former Employees of US Naval Base Subic Bay in Seattle and Canada; and Filipino-American Community of Puget Sound in Algona. With her three children and in-laws, she also attended the 50th anniversary celebration of Columban College, her children’s Alma Mater, held in Chula Vista, California and the Philippines in 2011, where she excitedly met old-time friends and acquaintances.

Frequently visiting in Puyallup, Julia had been to numerous All Saints parish events, especially the yearly musical shows, where her grandson Charles performed for the first four years. She also attended various parish functions at St. Edwards and Immaculate Conception in Seattle. In doing so, she met different priests and had the chance to pose for a photo with them. Having an uncle priest (deceased) as well as a nephew priest, it was a joy for Julia to take the priests’ hands and bring them to her forehead (mag-mano, in Tagalog) or kissed their hands to show respect and gratefulness. But, for several years now, the priests were the ones taking her hands instead, which she very cordially welcomed.

Julia’s life back in the Philippines was involved. When she moved to Olongapo City from Nueva Ecija with husband Serafin, some of her siblings followed and lived with her, until their parents and other siblings eventually decided to move in as well. Gradually, they all settled and established their own homes and families close by each other. Julia, fondly called “Ditse” (title of respect for second oldest sister) by siblings, in-laws, nephews, and nieces was frequently reaching out to relatives. Her house became the hub of the Martinez clan, most particularly during holidays and natural disasters like storms and floods. She truly became the family’s matriarch in the dearest sense.

In Olongapo City, Julia was popular and was a role model to many neighbors. They witnessed how Julia and Serafin worked hard to support their children and help other relatives, and also exhibited compassion to other people. Neighbors marveled at how Julia’s children successfully attained their professions and take care of their parents in return. When she visited the Philippines, Julia always made an effort to say hello and chat to the neighbors, sharing with them her experiences in the United States.

Julia never had a real pet in her life, but for the past two years, she had been babysitting Bella, her son Rafael’s little Chihuahua. For the first time, she experienced the pleasure a pet can bring to someone’s life. She found Bella amusing and described the diminutive dog as smart like a little kid. Julia and Bella would often take a nap on the same sofa under the same blanket, and had developed mutual affection. Julia often declined invitations to go out if she knew Bella will be dropped off and no one was handy to watch after her. On the other hand, Bella would always jump onto Julia’s sofa and curl beside her under the blanket when dropped off in the mornings. She is also very protective of Julia that when someone hugged or touched Julia’s head, Bella would growl. Bella’s sadness and yearning were very noticeable the day she came to the house, but nowhere to find Julia. She sniffed her blankets on the sofa, walked to the kitchen, listened for Julia’s movement in the room, just to retreat to her kennel, sensing something was not right. Bella may recover from sadness and move on, but will never forget Julia.

Julia’s brothers and sisters considered her luckiest among siblings--not because of material wealth, but because of what she was able to do for her loved ones and others, and what her loved ones have done for her in return. Julia lived and enjoyed her long life with her children and grandchildren; she was blessed with a loving family that reciprocated her love and care. Her family and friends will profoundly miss Julia.

A viewing and vigil will be held for Julia on November 7, 2014 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Powers Funeral Home, 320 West Pioneer, Puyallup, Washington. Her Funeral Mass will be on November 8, 2014, 11:00 AM, at All Saints Catholic Church, 204 6th Avenue SW, Puyallup, Washington. Interment will be at Gethsemane Catholic Cemetery, 37600 Pacific Hwy South, Federal Way, Washington.