Manuela Martinez

Manuela Martinez, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2021 at the age of 93. She was born on October 6, 1927, to Mauricio and Virginia (Becerra) Martinez in Brownsville, TX.

Manuela was preceded in death by her parents, Mauricio and Virginia Martinez, her husband, Jose Ramon Martinez, in-laws, Pedro and Epitacia (Castillo) Martinez; her children, daughters Maria de los Santos, Celia, and Angelica, her sons Raul and Miguel Angel Martinez, sons-in-law, Brian Driscoll and Salomon Pena; her sister and brother in-law, Cruz and Inez Jalomo, sister and brother in-law Angelica and Nestor Astorga, sister Celia Martinez Blanco, brother and sister in-law, Miguel and Vicenta Martinez.

She is survived by her children: Margarita Pena, Ramon and Rosa (Romero) Martinez who reside in TX; Juanita Driscoll, Celia and Alberto Serrano, Guadalupe and Mary (Lugers) Martinez, Antonio and Crystl (Burns) Martinez, Raul and Elvira (Beltran) Martinez, Ricardo and Ana Patricia (Valdez) Martinez, Rogelio and Angie (Silva) Martinez whom reside in Holland, Ml. Manuela is also survived by one brother and sister-in-law, Carlos and Angelita Martinez of Matamoros, Mexico.

Manuela is also survived by thirty-four (34) grandchildren, sixty-five (65) great-grandchildren, five (5) great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Manuela was a member of Christ Memorial Church and very dedicated to God. Her faith ensured her that He was always by her side. In addition to raising her family of fourteen (14) children, she worked outside of the home. She was employed by Ml Fruit Canners, Inc., was a teacher's aide at the Holland Day Care Center and Lincoln Elementary School, worked at Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Co. (Pfizer) and Life Savers (now Wrigley of Mars Inc.). Although she retired from Lifesavers, she decided to return to a part-time job at Lemon Fresh Cleaners, which turned into a full-time job until her final retirement at the age of 76 years old.

Manuela participated in activities such as exercise class, arts and crafts, photography, and holiday parties at her Senior Center. She was an avid reader and eagerly anticipated listening to speakers who would share their expertise, for example in law enforcement and social services. Manuela valued education and was determined to return to school and earn her GED at the age of 63, thereby encouraging others that it is never too late to accomplish their goals and dreams.

Manuela was always extending her kindness to others with her actions. She spoke of how happy it made her to be able to help those in need of assistance.

The family is very grateful and appreciates their sister, Janie Driscoll, immensely, for taking loving care of our mom the last three years at her home. The family would also like to thank the staff at Hospice, Freedom Village and Appledorn Assisted Living Center for their services.

Due to the Covid-19 Virus, a private graveside service will be held at Graafschap Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Blvd, Holland, MI 49423.

Funeral services provided by Dykstra Funeral Home-Mulder Chapel, Holland, Michigan