Martha Lastra

A Family Christmas Gift born in Havana, Cuba, on December 24, 1933, Martha arrived as a true holiday blessing. As the middle child of three, she was the steady heart of the sibling trio—nestled between the wisdom of her older sister, Lupe, and the spirited energy of her younger brother, Sergio.

In June of 1952, Martha’s life blossomed into a new adventure when she married the love of her life, Mark. After their wedding in Cuba, the newlyweds spent their honeymoon in New York City, a trip that turned into a lifelong journey as they settled there to build their future.

While in New York, Martha became a pioneer in the workforce. She started as a Key Punch Operator at the very dawn of the Information Technology era, translating data for the world’s first computers. Her career spanned over five decades of incredible digital evolution; she transitioned into Data Entry and remained a dedicated professional until her retirement. She was a woman of the future, balancing a sharp, technical mind with a selfless heart.

The "M.R." Legacy, Martha and Mark built a family where every name echoed their own bond. They were blessed with three children: Mark Jr., Myrna, and Maritza. In a sweet and intentional tribute to their love, the entire family shared the initials "M.R." Martha was the anchor of this legacy, blending their Cuban heritage with the vibrant life they built in America.

In 1969, seeking the sunshine she missed so dearly, Martha and the "M.R." family moved to Hialeah, Florida. It was here that Martha’s true spirit of devotion shone brightest. Beyond her career and her own children, she was the primary caregiver for her parents, attending to them with tireless grace and love until their final days.

Martha spent her life caring for those she loved—from the parents who raised her to the children who carried her name. A woman born on Christmas, she lived her life as a gift to others, bringing warmth, resilience, and light to everyone who knew her. She passed away on March 15, 2026, surrounded by the love of the family she spent a lifetime building.

Martha was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mark, and her son, Mark Jr. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy in her daughters, Myrna (Bob) and Maritza (Lenny); her brother, Sergio; her cherished grandchildren, Erica, Bobby, and Elizabeth; and her precious great-grandchildren, Bobby and Giovanna.

She will be deeply missed, but her "M.R." legacy and her pioneering spirit live on in the hearts of those she loved.