Martha Ortega

Martha Ortega, 79, was born on November 11, 1946, in Mexico City, Mexico, to parents Alicia and Pedro Sanchez. She was raised in Los Angeles along with her 3 sisters and 2 brothers. She then entered into rest on August 15, 2026. Martha made her home between Riverside, California, and Big Bear. She will be remembered with deep respect and enduring affection by all who knew her

Martha graduated from college and devoted over 25 years to a proud career as a registered nurse. She was dedicated to her profession and was a hard worker in a career that calls for both skill and steadiness; she served with a calm strength, a generous spirit, and a sincere concern for those placed in her care- qualities that defined not only her work, but also the way she lived.

She met her husband through mutual friends at a dance, a detail that reflects the joy she found in music, movement, and the simple pleasure of being present in the moment. They had one child, and enjoyed traveling as a family and camping trips every summer, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

She was a wonderful grandmother of 3 and recently became a great grandmother for the 1st time. Martha loved to dance, and her favorite music (mariachi alongside rock and roll of the 1950s and 1960s) often set the rhythm for the warmth she brought into a room.

Martha’s interests were as lively as they were comforting. She loved to travel, especially to Mexico and Europe and she enjoyed settling in with “Law & Order SVU,” crime shows, and British shows. At home, she was talented at cooking and sewing, sharing her gifts in ways that were practical, thoughtful, and quietly remarkable.

Those closest to Martha knew her as loving, caring, and very giving, with a strong will that helped her meet life directly and on her own terms. Her words captured that outlook with clarity: “you can't be afraid of what could happen, live life freely .”

Martha was preceded in death by Alicia Sanchez, Pedro Sanchez, Cirilo Sanchez, and Tony Ortega. She is survived by Martha De la torre Luis De la torre, Serena Montoya, Samantha De la torre, Luis Jr. De la torre, Jasper Montoya and her 3 sisters and one brother.

She will be greatly missed she was the matriarch of our family.