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It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Maria Angelica “Gela” Martinez of Gary, IN on January 24, 2023 at the age of 81. She was our beloved Esposa “Baby” Mami, Mai, Hermana, Titi and Friend.
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 57 years, Jose Oscar Martinez Sr; Children: Priscy (Angel), Margie, Angie (Ricardo), daughter-in-law Brenda; Grandchildren Genesis (Richy), Jose III (Betsy), Gabriella, Josue “Manny”, Anabeth, Jasmine, Angel, Cristian, Carlos; Great Grandchildren Adriel, Cataleya, Giovanni (Coming June 2023) and baby Martinez (Coming July 2023). Her legacy will continue to live on and thrive through these loved ones. She will also be greatly missed by her Sisters and Brothers; Olga, Jose “Cheo”, Emily, Rita Yolanda, Rosa, Carmen, and Jerry. As well as many nieces and nephews. Angelica was preceded in death by her Parents: Manuel and Rita Garcia; Siblings: Miguel, Esther “Teti”, Aida, Manuel “Meño”, David; and her beloved Son Jose “Joey” O. Martinez Jr.
Maria Angelica “Gela” Martinez was born in Villalba P.R. on June 7th, 1941 and was a devoted Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother for most of her life. She was also a faithful servant of the Lord. She was an incredible, heartwarming, and giving person who touched the hearts of everyone she met. She loved and cared deeply for everyone around her, whether it was her family, friends, neighbors, church family, and even stray animals in the neighborhood. She always lit up a room when she arrived, and her personality was infectious. She had many passions such as cooking, gardening, taking care of everyone, her hat collection, and she loved to be witty. She was definitely known for her arroz con dulce and lasagna. She had a love for animals; the birds, squirrels, and cats she fed all loved her. We will forever keep you in our hearts and you will never be forgotten. Rest in peace and in the arms of “Tu Nene” Joey. Until we meet again. Te Amamos para siempre!
A Visitation/Celebration of Life will be held at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel located at 7535 Taft St. Merrillville IN 46410 on Friday, January 27th, 2023 from 4:00pm-8:00pm. Funeral Service will be Saturday, January 28th, 2023 at 10:00am in Chapel and Pastor Juaquin Rodriguez will officiate. Followed by interment at Calumet Park Cemetery located at 2305 W 73rd Ave Merrillville IN 46410.
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R.I.P Titi Gela you will be truly missed. For ever in our hearts you will remain!
Tio Oscar, Priscy, Margie, Angie and Family-sending love, strength and healing vibes your way. May the love Titi radiated provide comfort during this process of grieving. Bendición, te amo 🕊
From her vibrant outfits to warm hospitality and radiating beauty, Titi Angelica was my “Puerto Rico”. As a GrandAunt she excelled. Supplying comfort, protection and support; all topped with the latest meal she whipped up and a lesson to last a lifetime. I’m forever grateful for the love and guidance she provided my Grandma Rita, Mom (Melissa) and myself through the many successes and the inevitable trials and tribulations life presented. Titi was always there.
In my childhood she encouraged me to always play and have fun, when all I ever wanted was to hangout with the elders of our family. During the week summer of 2009 I spent at The Martinez home she realized I was skipping meals and helped me gain a positive view on eating, ensuring “Eat! It’s good for you”. In my adulthood when I came to visit, she made a constant effort to get to know the woman I had grown up to be. When I brought my spouse,Bailey, around for the first time she took time time to become acquainted with the person her niece decided could take on all that comes with marrying a Garcia woman. She was always patient and consistently communicated in Spanish first and then English so I could begin to learn. Titi cared.
It was an honor to have been in the presence of such an incredibly beautiful soul. She will be missed. I hope to be able to continue to live through her example and just enjoy life!
My heart goes , out to all the family. May your beloved Rest in the arms of our lord Jesus. Del valle family🙏
So this has been a very hard week and I’m still in disbelief that my “Mami” has gone to heaven and the pain is unbearable!! It just doesn’t seem real. It’s really so hard to put into words what “Mami” meant to me and how my heart is just broken💔. I truly appreciate everything you did for me; from the way I grew up surrounded by Family, Church and the Benefica. The values you instilled in me that I still honor and pass on. You always took care of me, watched out and protected me, always supportive and loved me from the time I was born til the day you got your wings. You are such a beautiful, heartwarming, talented, witty, intelligent, loving and just an incredible, strong person I always admired. You were loved by so many and always lit up a room with your humor and personality. You taught me so many life lessons throughout my life; I only wish I had your green thumb and talent in the kitchen, Lol. There are hundreds of stories and thousands more memories I will cherish and keep close to my heart. I will always be so grateful, honored and blessed to have had you in my life and was ALWAYS so proud to call you “Mami”. Thank you for also being an amazing “Mai” to Cristian, he loves you so much and you will always be in our hearts and we will Love you forever!! So “Oke Doke”, as Mami would always say, Until we meet again!! Bendicion, Siempre en mi corazon, Te Amo mucho, mucho y para siempre!! RIH!!💔😥😘❤
I wanted to also say Thank you to everyone for their prayers, condolences, support and love. This was very unexpected and hard for my dad, sisters and family and we appreciate and love you all!❤