Stella Martinez Tavarez

She graduated from Southside High School and lived most of her life in San Antonio. She had a successful career as a certified optician for herself as well as for several ophthalmology practices, lastly with Braverman Terry Associates in San Antonio where she was their optical shop manager for many years. She and her husband Eddie loved travelling. She was a very creative person, sewing some of her own clothes and making some of her own jewelry. What started out as a hobby, became more of a profession as she made jewelry for those who admired her craft. She amassed a large collection of stones and beads that she bought on all her travels. Another creative outlet for Stella was her love of gardening and working in her beautiful lawn at her home.

Stella was preceded in death by her parents, brother Ricky Martinez, sister Maria Gallegos and stepson Edward Tavarez, Jr. She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Eddie Tavarez; son Tony Ruiz (Gloria); daughters Monica Bennett (Jerry) and Melissa Marsh (David); grandchildren Logan and Noah Bennett, Kristan Castillo (Mary), Jeremiah Castillo, and Ellayna Marsh; great grandchildren Roslyn, Anndrick, and Kristan Castillo; brothers Manuel Martinez, Jr., Jose Martinez, and Felipe Martinez; sisters Guadalupe Fischer, Elizabeth Fraga, Lydia Guerra, Irene Martinez, and Adelina Martinez; as well as numerous extended family members and a lifetime of friends.

Stella was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to many. In her later years, she suffered a long illness with Alzheimer’s. She was a truly kind and loving person who will be deeply missed. Many thanks to Dr. Gregory Jackson and his staff, as well as the many caregivers and hospice nurses who cared for her.

The family will receive friends for visitation at Porter Loring Mortuary North on Wednesday, April 12,2023 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.

ROSARYWEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 20237:00 PMPORTER LORING MORTUARY NORTH

FUNERAL MASSTHURSDAY, APRIL 13, 202310:00 AMST. MATTHEW CATHOLIC CHURCH10703 WURZBACH RD., SAN ANTONIO, TX 78230

Interment will follow in San Fernando Cemetery #2.