Emily Martinez Ibarra

Emily was born Emilia Martinez Gallardo, on November 7, 1963, to parents Frances Rios Martinez and Jose Guadalupe Gallardo. She is survived by her loving husband Agustin, four children Ofelia, Agustin Jr., Mercedes and Moises, as well as, Kayleigh and Elijah. She also blessed with her two grand- babies Emilia and Saylor, as well as, her bonus babies, Antonio, Alexander, Benson, and Xclynn. Her sisters Frances, Rosa, and Rosario, nieces, Xcina, Berlin, Alexa, Cathy, Emma, Elisa. And nephew Sonny.

She was born in Artesia, California and raised in Norwalk California, where she lived until the age of 19. Emily, or Mollie, as most of the family called her, grew up in the barrio, where life was not always easy but she was a piece of sunshine and happiness, which is where she got her childhood nickname, "La Happy." She was a friend to most, but if you messed with her baby sister Fran, you will not be met with her usual happy go lucky self.

Growing up, La Happy, La Happy, was involved in many fights, she was always protecting her little sis from anyone and everyone, no matter who it was, even up until the day she died, she was her sister's keeper and loved her very much. At the age of 19, Emily alongside her Mother, moved out to Mira Loma. She worked many jobs for a couple a years, and in 1986, she met Augustin. From stories she would tell her kids, she could not stand him, she would always tell us the story of when she would go to baseball with her cousin Rochelle and he would be there. She would say that he would always try to do tricks and flips to catch her attention. Well, it all must have worked because she fell head over heels and married Auggie. On December 26, 1989, they welcomed their first child together, Ofelia. As the years, when on they welcomed Jr, Mercy, and the biggest surprise of them all, Mo. Emily's kids were her whole life's happiness. She loved and adored them, she had her own special bond with each of them and always gave them the world. She hauled them around in her Excursion everywhere, from school, work, Disneyland, baseball, to weekend visits in Norwalk, all while blasting her oldies. She was also a caretaker to her mom and Tia Dorothy, whom lived many years with her and her family until the day that they both passed. Emily worked many jobs through-out her life but her favorite was always working for the school district, where she would work in special education. She worked until she was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2012. She fought the disease and was in remission for many years. However, with the cancer came many other health problems, such as kidney disease, which caused her to take on dialysis. She never complained or asked, Why me, she took it all. Emily was the ultimate worrier and the most fearless woman. The most important thing about Emily and her most beautiful thing about her was her personality. She was a friend to all, she made everyone feel special. She had a smile that could light up a room, at every party, store, any place she was at, she knew someone and everybody would want to say hi. At family parties everyone would joke that you have to take a number just to say hi to her. Emily, will be sorely missed by her loved ones and friends. May you continue and shine on and watch over us all. We Love you.