Gertrudis R Martinez

surrounded by her children. She was born in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico on March

18,1949 to Sebastian Roman Collazo and Eustaquia Jimenez. She moved to

East Gary, Indiana and attended the River Forest Junior High and then graduated

four years later from River Forest High School in Hobart Indiana. Gertrudis is

known to have received a 1st place trophy for the 400 yard relay race at the

District Track Competition. After graduating from High school, she moved back

to Gary, Indiana on Jefferson street. Gertrudis took on a job in Chicago where

she would commute for one hour both ways on the south shore train. She

eventually moved to Chicago and took on a job as a Billing clerk. She decided to

leave her job and dedicate ten years to raise a family of six kids. After raising her

kids she was ready to volunteer at her neighborhood school Bernhard Moos

Elementary. She assisted with english translation for students and parents, and

helped teachers in classrooms. She helped organize a parent volunteer club and

conducted many parent workshops, and was able to convince parents to get

involved with the school community. As she continued volunteering in the school,

a bilingual aide position was offered. Here Gertrudis worked with a bilingual

teacher and loved working with students from 5th-8th grade. She continued to

build friendships and connected with students. After several years, another

opportunity arose and she accepted to work in the office as a clerk. After nine

years, she retired and decided to move to Bradenton, Florida to live with her

sister Maria and brother-in-law Juan. She spent her time with her sisters playing

dominoes, shopping, traveling, and enjoying cruises. Her greatest joy came from

spending time with her kids in Chicago. She became friends of many from ten

years as an employee at the Records Department at the Manatee Sheriff

Department in Florida.

As the years went by, Gertrudis touched each and every soul with her

tenderness, patience, and everlasting kindness. She was the heart of her

children and she is survived by her sons Jose L. Martinez, Mario L. Martinez and

wife Veronica, Manuel A. Martinez and wife Rebecca, and her daughters Andrea

Martinez Akins and husband Jack, Luz Z. Godoy, Juana O. Lopez and

husband Eladio. We will remember those hugs. Her grandchildren that she

adored Joshua Martinez, Valisha Rivera, Manuel Martinez Jr., Mariah Lopez,

Dezaray Martinez, Jimmie Akins Jr., Nataly Godoy, Xavier Lopez, Jalen Akins,

Aiden Roman, Nicholas Martinez, Mathias Martinez. Her great grandchildren;

Ethan Diaz, Elijah Diaz, and Averie Ortiz. Her surviving siblings Maria Gonzalez,

Bill Roman, Milagros Roman, Mike Roman, Sam Roman Collazo, Daniel Roman.

Also a surviving Aunt Julia Jimenez.

She is predeceased by Sebastian Roman Collazo father, Eustaquia Jimenez

mother, Carmen Roman Collazo sister, Gladys R. Collazo, sister, Jason Roman,

nephew, and David Roman Collazo, nephew.

Many additional nieces, nephews, and cousins will forever cherish her memory.

Visitation Thursday from 4-8p.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home 7750 W. Cermak Road;

Forest Park, IL Woodlawn is adhering to the rules of the CDC of no more that 50 people

maximum, at gatherings. Thank You for your cooperation. Interment Mt. Auburn Cemetery