Cynthia Ann Martinez

January 25, 1967 – September 19, 2026

Cynthia Ann Martinez was a woman who loved deeply, quietly, and completely. She was not one to say a lot, but when she spoke, you listened. She wasn't always one for hugs or grand expressions of affection, but she had her own way of saying I love you, by being there. No matter what life brought, no matter the mistakes made, her family could always count on her. Her love was steady, unconditional, and never asked for anything in return.

Cynthia found happiness in the little things that made life beautiful. She loved her flowers and took great pride in caring for her yard. She would talk to her flowers as though they were old friends, and somehow, the hummingbirds seemed to know just how much she loved them. They would come close enough to stand on her finger, creating little moments of magic that she treasured.

Her greatest love, however, was her family, which she loved so fiercely.

Cynthia and Thomas' story began when they were boyfriend and girlfriend in the seventh grade. What started as young love grew into a beautiful 40-year marriage, filled with a lifetime of memories, family, laughter, challenges, and love. They grew up together, built a family together, and remained side by side through it all.

Her little sister, Denise, was another extraordinary love in Cynthia's life. Twelve years younger, Denise was someone Cynthia helped raise. Over the years, they grew from sisters into best friends and secret keepers. They shared the special bond of sisters who had walked through similar chapters of life, including becoming mothers. Their connection was one that time could never take away.

She was also an avid sports fan. Her love of sports began with watching her father, Alfred Medina, play softball. Years later, she found herself running from one sports field to another, cheering on her daughters and son as they played softball, baseball, and football. She didn't just attend their games, she showed up for their lives.

She loved fishing, too. She loved the quiet, the peacefulness, and the tranquility of being out on the water. And, with a smile, she would always make sure everyone knew that she was the one who caught the good ones. Those little stories and bits of personality are the memories her family will hold onto forever.

Cynthia devoted 26 years to MD Anderson Cancer Center, where she worked as an executive assistant before retiring. She was hardworking, dependable, and proud of the life she built.

She leaves behind her beloved husband, Thomas P. Martinez; her children, Emily Martinez, Kristine Castillo and husband Bobby Castillo, and Thomas J. Martinez and wife Monica Castillo-Martinez; and her three grandchildren, Brooklyn Rose Castillo, Brie Jordyn Castillo, and Benjamin Michael Castillo, who were truly the light of her life.

Being a grandmother brought Cynthia a happiness all of its own. She had a dream of becoming their "bus driver", because being the bus driver meant she could spend more time with them. More car rides. More conversations. More ordinary days that would become precious memories.

She was the person who showed up.

The mother who loved through every mistake.

The sister who became a best friend.

The grandmother who wanted just a little more time.

Every time her grandchildren need to be somewhere, they will remember their Nana who loved being their bus driver simply because she wanted more time with them.

Those are the moments when we will feel her most.

Because Cynthia's love wasn't loud. It was lasting.

It was in the little things.

It was in showing up.

It was in never giving up on the people she loved.

She may have left this world too soon, but she left behind something that death can never take away—a lifetime of love woven into the hearts of the people who were lucky enough to call her wife, daughter, Mom, Nana, sister, and friend.

She was our home, our constant, and our quiet strength.

She will be missed in ways words cannot express, loved more than words can say, and remembered for the rest of our lives.

And Cynthia was always there.

She always will be.

Cynthia was preceded in death by her father, Alfred Medina, and her brother, Timothy Medina. She leaves behind her mother, Rosemary Medina, siblings, Alfred Lee Medina, Jerry Medina, Howard Medina, and Denise Medina, along with family and friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Visitation will be held at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023, US, on September 28, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023, US, on September 29, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.