Mary Helen Martinez Mata

An active member of the community and a true supporter of her children and grandchildren, Mary was a booster parent for Band, Orchestra and Choir, as well as a CCE teacher and Girl Scout leader. She had recently participated in volunteer work for the St. Jerome Catholic Church food bank, and the Houston Area Women’s Center.

Mary is preceded by her parents, Frank and Guadalupe Martinez; brothers Frank, Freddie, and Felix Martinez, as well as her son, Joe Martinez. She is survived by her husband, Xavier Villegas; her daughters, Jennifer Martinez, Nina and husband Alan Simmons, Michelle Mata and fiancé Troy Gannod; her grandchildren, Zerrick Flores, Desiree Flores, Silas Flores, Philip Flores, Katherine Simmons, and Olivia Simmons; her former spouses, Joe Estrada and David Mata, as well as her brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and many dear friends.

Mary had a great sense of humor and was able to laugh at one of her daughter’s favorite topics, "my three dads." At any given time throughout the year, our three dads could end up in the same house together, and while all three are able to be under one roof, they comically had the ability to stay in separate rooms, ebbing and flowing with complete balance, this was something that always seemed to amaze us. One dad cooking, one dad in the garage and one dad in the living room, then a silent siren went off and living room dad went to the game room, while garage dad went to the kitchen and kitchen dad went outside, and thus was the rest of the evening until one or all three dads made their exit. If two dads sat at one table it was always, two out of three dads agreeing on (insert whatever they are eating here). However, I think all three dads can agree that Mary found the life partner she was meant have in Xavier.

Another amazing thing that mom was able to laugh about, was how hard her friends and family members tried to convince her that she doesn’t bleed black and gold. This, however, was never the case. The divided house of Steelers and Texans was that of a valiant fight she never backed down from. Going so far as to rap black and yellow, during the more recent Texan vs. Steelers games. There wasn’t a single game won that didn’t end with Xavier in a Steelers jersey, while our mom shouted “Steelers baby!” into the night.

Mary was many things; she was first and foremost a beloved mother, an adoring wife, an amazing grandmother and compassionate friend. She cared for those around her and gave what she was able to give. Through all of the trials, tribulations and heartache that was thrown at our mother, there is one thing that can be said, Mary was a fighter, she didn’t take anything sitting down. She said what she meant and she loved with all she had.

During harder times, she took longer breaks. Mary never forgot the cause and effects of her actions and was always trying to mend the bridges. She was a truly humble person and took claim for her mistakes, which we saw as a more honorable action than anything else. She will be missed.

We can only end this with one of the more popular Doctor Who quotes:

"In 900 years of time and space, I have never met someone who wasn’t important."

Family and friends are invited to gather and share memories of Mary at a visitation from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 30th at Waltrip Funeral Directors, 1415 Campbell Road in Houston, where funeral services will be held in the chapel at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 1, 2016.