Carmen M. Martinez

One of six siblings, she was born September 11, 1934 in Naguabo, Puerto Rico, to Providencia Melendez and Eladio Martinez.  Mama first came to New York as a young woman where she met and married her first husband.

She made New Jersey her home and became a factory worker, employed as a Machine Operator at Hoke Inc., from where she retired.  However, as a single mom needing to “work” things out, she had many part-time endeavors, including cleaning small businesses, delivering newspapers and phone books (who remembers the Yellow Pages), party organizing, catering and, school bus driver (yes she had a CDL). What gave her the most joy, because it reminded her of her own mother, was seamstress. 

Mama raised her children on her own during a time when it was unconventional to do so, and did this by balancing full-time, part-time, and over-time work.  With that, she still found time for leisure, enjoying travel, league bowling, Monday night card games, amusement parks and fast rollercoasters, and she was often the loudest voice cheering on her family at sporting events.  Besides cheering, mama showed love with her cooking, and everyone just ate it up!

Small in stature, mama possessed a big heart and a sharp tongue, she was a woman to be feared, with many gifts and diverse talents. Mama generously shared her home with those in need, cooked lavish meals for events, and crafted affordable wedding gowns for those with limited resources.

A pivotal time in her life, at age 50, Mama dedicated her life to Christ, becoming a steadfast servant in her church where for many years, she showcased her gifts and talents in service to others. Driven by a passion for fundraising, with the help of many, she played a leading role in achieving the goal for acquiring a permanent church building. The fruition of this dream led to the dedication of a hospitality room in her honor.  She continued supporting with fundraising for further expansion and ministry growth.  Her contributions and selfless dedication left an indelible mark, yet the tangible is secondary, as she gave so much of herself to God's work, she also modeled a life reconciled and in relationship with Christ and has left a lasting legacy for her children and grandchildren, family and loved ones. 

Loving and dedicated mama of five children; Jose Armando Ortiz and wife Dalila, Luis Roberto Torres and wife Yamaris, Johanna Torres-Incle and husband Santiago; and Jose Miguel Torres and Miguel Angel Ortiz by who she was predeceased.  

She is survived by her beloved sister who she adored, Zoraida Vázquez and husband Rafael, and was predeceased by her brothers, Angel, Ismael, Wilfredo, and Jose.  

Affectionately called Abuela by many, she was blessed with 12 grandchildren; Jasmine, Andrew, Edwin, Emmanuel, Johanna, Gerale, Selina, Diana, Triessa, Santiago III, Milagros, and Nicolas and 10 great-grandchildren; Marco, Jocelyn, Khloe, Kiara, Kodah, Olivia, Analia, Cataleya, Jasiah and Levi. 

Her blessings were multiplied as she was a very special Tia to a host of beloved nieces and nephews with whom she found joy celebrating and creating special memories.

Her children arise and call her blessed… Proverbs 31:28a

A Celebration of Life to honor Mama will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday February 3rd at:

Iglesia De Dios La Misericordia /

Mercy Church of God 

20 Foster Street

PO Box 5105

             Bergenfield, NJ 07621

In lieu of flowers and in honor of her charitable heart, and dedication to the ministry, tax-deductible, memorial donations may be made toward a scholarship fund administered by the church:  Iglesia de Dios La Misericordia / Mercy Church of God  

  https://www.mercychurchofgod.org/give-here  (note: Martinez Fund)