Miriam Blanche Martinez

Miriam Blanche Martinez was born October 6, 1952, in New Orleans, Louisiana to Marion Newman and Maximo Martinez. She passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026. She graduated from Alcee Fortier High School in New Orleans after her family returned to the states. She went on to obtain her undergraduate degree from DeVry University and master’s degree from Keller Graduate School of Management. When her mother remarried, she had the opportunity to travel around the world as a military dependent. While living in Germany she was excited to learn the language and culture.

She met her former spouse while the family was stationed at Ft. Belvoir, VA. They went on to have a beautiful daughter named Tonda. She initially wanted to name her daughter Tonya but there was a mix up with the paperwork by the hospital and a “d” was added where the “y” was supposed to be. Miriam thought it was unique and decided to keep it.

Miriam relocated to Los Angeles with her daughter and enjoyed her time there. While in Los Angeles, she worked in Hospital Administration and spent a lot of time at the beach. When she moved back to New Orleans, she became a teacher.

Miriam had great legs, great style and was a true diva. She was a great dancer and used to show her little sister and daughter all the latest dance moves. Miriam was a lover of books, skin care, shoes, fashion and music. Rick James, Tina Marie, Steely Dan, Phylis Hyman and Michael Franks were some of her favorite singers/artist. She also was a good cook. Her Chicken Enchiladas was a chef’s kiss.

Miriam had a great sense of humor (If you asked her to bring you McDonalds, she would bring you Burger King). We could never figure that out so we would trick her. If you really wanted McDonalds, just say you want Burger King. Her whole face lit up when she smiled or laughed or, as our brother Joe would say, cackle.

One of my fondness memories of my sister is when she bought me my first watch. It was a Mickey Mouse watch. She rewarded me for learning how to tell time.

She was a devout Catholic and regularly attended mass at St. Jermone in Kenner, LA. She was a great big sister and often still spoke to us as if we were little. It was cute when she would look at you and ask, “are you hungry?” Some of her favorite lines were, “If you like it, I love it or Macht nichts.

She is survived by her beloved child Tonda Witherspoon and her beloved grandchild Isaiah Neloms. Her father Joseph Newman, her siblings; Joseph Newman Jr (Rainey), Sandra Newman, Tyrone Newman (Karina), her partner Ernest Collins, her nieces, nephews, cousins, students and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Marion Newman and Maximo Martinez.

Visitation will be held at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, LA 70006, on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Funeral Mass.

Burial will take place at Providence Memorial Park & Mausoleum, 8200 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA 70003.