Martha G. Gavilanes De Nunez

Born in Ambato, Ecuador, to Blancita Martinez and Victor Hugo Gavilanes, Martha was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, mother-in-law, and friend. In 1969, she married Raul Homero Nunez, and together they created a warm and loving home, rich in laughter, faith, and the comforting aroma of her signature Ecuadorian dishes.

A deeply faithful Catholic, Martha instilled the power of prayer in her children and often gathered the family to watch Papal Masses together. She was one of the first in her family to immigrate to the United States, arriving under a special skilled visa due to her talent as a radio talk show host. As a celebrated DJ at Paz y Bien Catholic radio station, her voice reached listeners across the globe. Music—especially classical—was her passion and calling.

After moving to the U.S., Martha worked as a seamstress in New York’s garment district, producing military uniforms. She later worked for several well-known companies including Harry & Levine, Regina, and briefly for Lufthansa Airlines as a food preparer. Above all, she found her greatest purpose as a homemaker, nurturing and raising her children with love, strength, and grace.

Martha’s interests were as rich and vibrant as her spirit. She had a deep love for classical music, natural remedies, crocheting, knitting, and sharing meals with those she loved. She had a keen ability with words as her vocabulary was so rich.

She is survived by her nine children: William Gavilanes, Geovanny Nunez, Jenny Altamirano, Regina Nunez, Mary Nunez-Mateiro, Anita Nunez-Kaufmann, Ivon Nunez, Patricia Nunez, and Rosalyn Nunez. She also leaves behind ten grandchildren: Stefanie, Matthew, Gabriel, Andy, Antonio, Angela, Adrianna, Abigail, Sofia, and Camilla. Martha is also survived by her sister Mirian and brothers Marco, Marcelo, Gonzalo, Carlos, John, and Edgar.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and her siblings, Victoria, Hugo, Fernando, Freddy, Nancy, and, whose memories she carried always in her heart.

Family and friends are invited to honor Martha’s life on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Krowicki McCracken Funeral Home, 2124 East Saint George Ave., Linden, NJ 07036. A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 155 Washington Ave., Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Interment will follow at Saint Gertrude Cemetery & Mausoleum, 53 Inman Ave., Woodbridge Township, NJ 07067.

Martha will be remembered for her warmth, wisdom, unshakable faith, and enduring kindness. Her voice and love will echo in the hearts of all who knew her.