It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dear mother and wife Gloria Guadalupe Martinez, 88. She passed away on May 12th in the presence of the love of her life, Rafael Arturo Martinez. She is survived by husband Rafael, daughters Blanca, Anai, Rocio, Liliana, sons Ralph and Jorge as well as 12 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
She was born and raised in Mexico City, Mexico and graduated from the prestigious Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico with degrees in Chemistry and Biology. She moved to El Paso, Texas in 1964 where she started her professional career in what was then Thomas General Hospital, now UMC. She was the Head of the Microbiology Department. She later became Head of the Department of Microbiology at Providence Memorial Hospital. While working at Providence, she completed her Masters degree from the University of Texas at El Paso where she also later taught. She retired from Providence Memorial Hospital at age 65.
While attending Universidad Nacional Autonoma, she competed in track and field where she excelled and won many awards in the discus throw. After marrying her soulmate, Rafael, she decided to join him in his love of silhouette shooting. She was the first woman to compete in the Ysleta Gun Club. After only two years in the sport, she won the distinction of National Champion in 1978. She continued to be an avid markswoman, winning hundreds of competitions, well into her 80’s.
