Olga S. Martel

A devoted mother and grandmother, taking care of her family, especially her grandchildren, was her guiding life's force. Granny was always ready for a visit or phone call with the grandkids. She enjoyed going to restaurants, shopping, and keeping up with their various activities. Even though her health failed, her devotion to her grandchildren never waned.

Growing up in a family with seven siblings was a fond memory and she liked to remember that with so many siblings, no one was ever lonely. After marrying Hank and becoming an Air Force wife, she learned to pack up her own family and move across the country every few years. She valued her experiences which had her living in multiple states before returning to San Antonio.

A devotee of San Antonio and Fiesta parades, she also enjoyed driving to Eagle Pass with her sisters to eat, gamble, and giggle. One Saturday night after the Fiesta Flambeau, she and her sisters took off in the middle of a terrible storm towards Eagle Pass to gamble. Family members tried to stop them, but they refused. There was life to be lived, and they were not going to let a little midnight storm get in the way.

Mom had an amazing knack for being in a location a day before or on some of our nation’s historical events. She saw Governor Wallace, John F. Kennedy, and Robert Kennedy the day before each was shot. When moving across the country the family car was rerouted because of the Selma to Montgomery March. While in NYC to see the Michael Jackson concert with her grandson, she was trapped on the island after the World Trade Center attacks. If history was happening, mom was nearby.

Attending events and cast parties at the Majestic Theater after Dad became involved in entertainment was the source of many interesting adventures for the couple. One of her many cherished moments was when she was picked out of a crowd and asked to dance by Mikhail Baryshnikov's dance instructor.

Olga was preceded in death by husband, Henry “Hank” Martel; infant son, Henry Jr.; parents, Emilio and Aurora Sanchez; and siblings, Emil, Armand, Rudy, and Irma. She is survived by her children, Yvonne Martel, Michael Martel (Evah), and Kathleen Martel Goldsmith (Richard); and grandchildren, Nicholas Martel, Nathan Martel, Tyler Martel, Willow Goldsmith, and Scout Goldsmith; She is also survived by her siblings, Stella, Gloria, and Gilbert; multiple in-laws; and dozens of nieces and nephews whom she adored.

MASSWEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 202410:00AMOUR LADY OF SORROWS CATHOLIC CHURCH3107 NORTH ST. MARY'S STREETRECEPTION TO FOLLOW

Interment will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m.

A favorite quote of mom’s that she wanted to share with everyone, is from the movie “Yankee Doodle Dandy.” As quoted from Olga in her final days to you all, “My mother thanks you, my father thanks you, my sisters thank you, and I thank you.”