Lucia Martinez Lopez

A native of Santa Barbara and a resident of Ventura since 1949. She was predeceased by her husband Ben Martinez, Sr., and her brothers Max and Tom Holguin, her daughter Virginia Graham, and granddaughter Laurita Martinez. She is survived by her loving and devoted children Lenore Castro (Raul), Laurie Correia (David), Ben Martinez Jr. (Sherrie), Anna Rivero (Mauro), Ron Martinez, son-in-law Steve Graham, sisters-in-law Jessie Holguin and Lorraine Holguin, Grandchildren Robert “Bobby” Graham, David Benjamin John Correia, Daniel Correia, Benjamin Rivero, her sibling Sister Lucy Holguin S.N.D. De N., and her countless good friends and extended family members whose lives were touched by Lou’s grace.

Lou worked as an ESL Aide and retired from the Ventura Unified School District as a Teacher’s Aide in 1996 after twenty-five years of service. She attended California State University Northridge and was a Notre Dame Associate for 5 years.

She loved books, her garden, orchids, birds, trips to Hawaii with her sister Dolly, and Christmas, especially her father’s Nativity. Aside from her family, one of her greatest joys was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Lou inspired all of her children to accomplish their educational goals and to have an independent spirit. Lou’s hope for the future was that all her children would make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

Lou will be remembered for her generous nature, passion for education, fighting spirit, strength and independence, kindness, sense of humor, and quick wit. We will miss the love, laughter, strength and spirit she brought to our lives.

In her latter years, she faced each medical hurdle with eyes wide open, and the strength of spirit that will always be remembered by family and serve as a shining example for us to emulate.

Her family thanks her exceptionally compassionate Caregivers and all the staff at the Ventura Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army.

A Catholic Mass to celebrate her life will take place on Tuesday, May 8 at 10:00 AM at our Lady of the Assumption Church in Ventura. A reception will follow at Our Lady of the Assumption, Santa Cruz Hall.

Arrangements by Charles Carroll Funeral Home, Ventura. (805) 642-8134