Dolores Martinez, 86, of Schererville, passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Community Hospital in Munster surrounded by loving family. She was born on March 12, 1940, in Laredo, TX, to the late Jesus and Geronima (Cardona) Martinez. On July 14, 1962, Dolores married the love of her life, Fabian Martinez. 

Dolores is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Fabian Martinez; children, Fabian (Robin) Martinez Jr., Dora Martinez, Fernando Martinez, and Elizabeth (Douglas) De Vries; grandchildren, Daniella Aragon, Daniel Marquez, Carlos (Danielle) Aragon III, Dorian (Lyori) Martinez, Alejandria (Mickey) Twomey, Douglas (Gina) De Vries Jr., Antonio Martinez, Gabrielle De Vries, Ava Martinez, and Ella Martinez; great-grandchildren, Daniel Twomey, Kingsley Garzella, Mila Aragon, Nova Aragon, Murphy Twomey, and one on the way; sister and best friend, Dora Guerrero; and a loving host of extended family, friends, and acquaintances. 

In addition to her parents, Dolores was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Leah Martinez, and siblings, Evelio Ortiz, Francisco Martinez, Anita Torres, Gilberto Martinez, and Mary Malacara. 

Dolores always dreamed of becoming a teacher, and the path that led her to her career was incredible to say the least. Dolores attended Laredo Community College in Texas for two years before moving to the Northwest Indiana area to be close to family. When she came to the area, she met her beloved husband, Fabian, moved to Gary, and started a family of her own. 

As she was taking her children to school, with one in a stroller, she noticed one of the classrooms had no teacher to be found and the children were rambunctious. In the midst of the chaos, she made the quick decision to get the children to settle down and started writing on the chalkboard. The principal of the school walked past and thought she was a substitute teacher! He approached her and she explained the situation as to why she was there and who she was. 

Needless to say, the principal was so impressed with her actions. So much so that he offered her a full-ride to attend the education undergraduate program at Purdue Calumet University through their educational grant program. This undergraduate program came with the promise of a career at Gary Community Schools, as well, forging the path she had always dreamed of achieving as a teacher. 

Once she completed her undergraduate studies, she not long after went back to Purdue Calumet University to receive her Master’s in Education. She went on to teach first grade students for 12 years at Jefferson Elementary School and 23 years at Webster Elementary School in Gary. She adored her students and was proud to teach future generations for years to come in the Northwest Indiana community. 

It should also be noted that Dolores was a faithful Catholic and parishioner at Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church in Merrillville for over 50 years. She also was involved in a local bowling league, competing both at Stardust Bowling Alley in Merrillville and Super Bowl in Crown Point for over 30 years. 

In her younger years, Dolores could be found going out to dance with her husband in East Chicago every weekend, visiting Mexico or Corpus Christi, TX, to visit relatives with her family, and going on trips to the casinos in Mississippi and in Las Vegas, NV. She also always enjoyed cooking traditional Mexican cuisine, crocheting, shopping on the town, and playing the piano, something her children and grandchildren were fond of. 

Dolores will best be remembered as a truly good-hearted woman who had never met a stranger and held a go-getter attitude throughout life. She, along with all the love and joy she shared, will be dearly missed by all. 

Services for Dolores will begin on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 7535 Taft Street, Merrillville, IN 46410, with visitation from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Services will continue on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, with a Mass of Christian Burial taking place at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church – South Campus (formerly Our Lady of Consolation), 8303 West Taft Street, Merrillville, IN 46410, at 10:00 AM. Burial and graveside service will follow Mass at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville.