Alicia Ramirez Martinez

Alicia Martinez passed away peacefully in her sleep with family by her side on October 16, 2026, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of faith, love, laughter, and generosity. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, teacher, and friend whose life touched countless people.

Born in El Paso, Texas, Alicia was raised by her mother, Maria de Jesus, affectionately known as Mama Chuy, and her adoptive father, Francisco Ramirez. Her early years helped shape the strength, resilience, and deep faith that guided her throughout her life. Her family was also blessed with the addition of her brother, Armando.

Alicia married her high school sweetheart, Peter, beginning a loving marriage that spanned 63 years until his passing. Peter’s Air Force career took their family to several locations, including Germany and Panama, where they spent eight memorable years. Through the many changes and adventures of military life, Alicia and Peter built a family grounded in love, faith, and devotion before eventually settling in Tempe, Arizona.

Alicia’s Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. She lived her faith through prayer, service, and the way she cared for others. A devoted prayer warrior, she faithfully prayed morning and night for her children, grandchildren, and loved ones, always lifting their needs to God. Her prayers were one of the many ways she expressed her enduring love for her family.

Alicia dedicated many years to teaching children in public schools and especially enjoyed teaching English as a Second Language to spouses of military personnel. Her patience, compassion, and commitment to helping others reflected her belief in the importance of education and service. She also volunteered for many years with St. Vincent de Paul, helping individuals and families in need. Through her teaching and volunteer service, Alicia followed Jesus’ example of loving and caring for others.

A woman of remarkable strength and dignity, Alicia faced life’s joys and sorrows with faith and grace. As Proverbs 31:25 reminds us, “She is clothed with strength and dignity.” She had a beautiful smile, a wonderful sense of humor, and a gift for finding the bright side of life, even during difficult times.

Alicia’s home was always open. She had a special way of making people feel welcome, loved, and cared for. Her warmth and generosity extended beyond her immediate family to friends, neighbors, and everyone fortunate enough to know her. She created a home where people could gather, share stories, laugh, and feel that they belonged.

Family and friends will forever treasure the stories, laughter, and memories that made Alicia so special—the many “Nana and Grandma stories,” “Alicia stories,” and “Mom stories” that will continue to be shared for generations. Her example of faith, kindness, strength, and unconditional love will remain a lasting part of her legacy.

Alicia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Peter; her parents; her twin daughters, Irene and Irma Jean; her daughters, Donna and Denise; her son, Mike; and her special godson, Phillip Ray, along with many other cherished family members and loved ones. We find peace in knowing that she is now reunited with them in heaven.

Alicia’s loving memory will be cherished by her surviving children: son Pete Martinez Jr.; daughter Debra Martinez; and son Charles (Susan) Martinez; her brother Armando Mojica; her daughter-in-law, Kathy Martinez; her son-in-law, Glyn Mumford; her 12 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; along with many extended family members, dear friends, and all who were blessed to know and love her.

As Proverbs 31:28 beautifully says, “Her children rise up and call her blessed.” Alicia’s legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the faith she shared, the lives she touched, and the love she gave so freely. Though she will be deeply missed, the lessons she taught, the prayers she offered, and the memories she leaves behind will remain in our hearts always.

Memorial Services

Rosary

Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

Lakeshore Mortuary

1815 S. Dobson Road, Mesa, AZ 85202

Funeral Mass

Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Resurrection Catholic Church

3201 S. Evergreen Road, Tempe, AZ 85282

Burial

Immediately following the Funeral Mass

Paradise Memorial Gardens

9300 E. Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics Missouri (https://somo.org/donate/) in honor of Andy Martinez.