Carmina Zavala Martinez

Carmina Zavala Martinez

June 15, 1936-September 15, 2025

Carmina Zavala Martinez, age 89, entered eternal rest with her Lord and Savior on Monday September 15, 2025. She was born on June 15, 1936, in Ciudad Del Maiz, San Luis Potosi, Mexico, the beloved daughter of the late Eutimio Zavala Carranza (born in San Jose de Coronados, San Luis Potosi, Mexico) and Maria Filemon Martinez Segovia de Zavala (born in San Antonio de Coronados, San Luis Potosi, Mexico).

There were fifteen children. Carmina was the fifth of twelve surviving children. She is remembered as her mother’s “right hand”, helping to raise her younger siblings and guiding them toward education and opportunity. Among her brothers and sisters were Karitina, Estela, Salvador, Eleazar, Eutimio, Ruben, Arodi, Noemi, Daniel, Gilbert and Ninfa. She is survived by siblings Ruben, Arodi, Gilbert and Ninfa.

Her early education began at El Internado Juana Villalobos, Hijos Del Ejercito in Durango, Mexico, and later continued in McAllen, Texas while commuting and living with her family in Reynosa, Mexico. In 1956 Carmina and her family legally migrated to the United States. She worked alongside her Mother and siblings as a migrant worker, traveling across Texas, Idaho, and California to harvest seasonal crops such as potatoes, sugar beets, fruits, vegetables and grapes. She was one of the first to learn to drive in the family. Eventually, the family settled in Fresno, California where their first home was a humble one.

As a young woman, Carmina married and became the proud mother of three daughters-Norma, Camelia, and Esther born in Fresno, CA. After the family relocated to Mexicali, Mexico. Her hard work ethic and resourcefulness obtained her employment at a dry cleaners located in Calexico, CA. She worked tirelessly to provide for her family, commuting across the border while living in Mexicali. Later, as a single mother in Fresno, she raised her daughters on her own, working multiple jobs while attending vocational training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). She went on to serve more than 30 years at the Valley Medical Center Hospital, all while continuing housekeeping work to be financially self-supporting.

Carmina’s hard work ethic and determination enable her to purchase her first home in Fresno, CA despite the challenges of being a single woman in a time when banks often denied such loans. Her personal experiences enabled her to instill in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren the values of hard work, discipline and perseverance as she was known for her forthrightness and strong principles.

Her many hobbies reflected her creativity and love of Art. She enjoyed porcelain painting (china painting), Victorian lampshade making, sewing, knitting, Jewelry, upholstery, photos, gardening and antique collecting. She was a member of the porcelain club and won several awards at the Fresno Fair for her creations. She generously shared her talents with her community. She donated some of her items to the children’s science center in her area and later spent time there with some of her great grandchildren.

In her last years, Carmina attended Iglesia Bautista Fundamental Cristo La Roca near her home, where she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior. She found joy in her faith, fellowship and Christian programming.

Carmina will be deeply missed by her surviving daughters Norma F. Garcia (Larry), Camelia F. Valle (Florentino), and Esther Fernandez (former spouse Jose L. Vasquez). She leaves behind eight cherished grandchildren- Christopher D. Lopez, Venny A. Lopez, Estephan F. Valle, Bianca L. Renteria (Jordan), Maya Andrea Caldera (Reynaldo), Ismael O Valle, Marisa Gabriela Vasquez, and Elise C. Valle- as well as seven great-grandchildren Magdalena Antonia Aragon, Phenyx A. Renteria, Charli Avery Renteria, Lilliana Rae Lopez, Remya Andrea Caldera, Reyandrew Azekial Caldera, Ezra Mateo Renteria.

Carmina Zavala Martinez will be remembered as a woman with her distinctive style, strength, hard work, resilience, and faith. She lived a life of service to others, creativity, and LOVE for her family. Her legacy will continue to inspire all who knew her or crossed her path.

A Visitation will be held at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, located at 836 E Nees Ave, Fresno, California, 93720, on September 29, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The Funeral Service will take place at the Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns and Blair Funeral Home- 836 East Nees, Fresno, California,93720 on September 30, 2025, at 10:00 am.

The Committal Service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery, 1411 W Belmont Ave, Fresno, California, 93728, on September 30, 2025.