Iris Coralia Saldana

Iris is survived by her husband, Richard Martinez; her children, Christine Sanchez, Adriana Martinez, and Jacob Martinez; her grandson, Julián Sanchez; and her siblings, Jose Saldana, Eugenia Cervantes, and Armando Saldana. She is preceded in death by her mother, Eugenia Bañales (1951-2022).

Iris was born on June 24, 1974 in La Piedad, Michoacán, Mexico to Rigoberto Saldana and Eugenia Bañales. She graduated from Sacramento High School in 1992. She welcomed Christine in 1993. Iris met Richard in October 1995. Rumor has it she asked him to dance and the rest is history. Together, they welcomed Adriana in 2002 and Jacob in 2006. Iris set about teaching her children the meaning of hard work and perseverance. Her children remember her as a strong and clever mother who encouraged them to pursue their goals. She will always be a driving force in their lives. To everyone, Iris was lively and always drew people toward her - she made friends wherever she went and was welcome in any space. She will be remembered for her ability to make people laugh, for staying true to her convictions, and of course, for her gorgeous curly hair.

A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, November 2, 2023 at Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home, with a reception to follow at Sierra 2 Community Center. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Iris’s life.