It is with unimaginable sadness that our family shares the passing of our beloved, Sonia Judith Martinez (nee Vasquez). Sonia passed away Thursday, July 23, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. 

Sonia was born in Brooklyn, NY, on July 6, 1973, to parents, Rosario Youvet Vasquez (nee Sostre), and Jorge Vasquez. She was raised in East Chicago, Indiana, and attended Harrison Elementary and West Side Middle School, and graduated from Central High School in 1991.  

Sonia attended Purdue Calumet where she became a member of Alpha Psi Lamba’s Epsilon Chapter, where she is known as “La Patrona”. Sonia married her best friend, Abelardo Martinez, on October 6, 2001. Their love story began as high school sweethearts, growing from friendship into a lifelong partnership filled with love, laughter, and shared memories. Together, they navigated the joys and challenges of life as husband and wife and as parents, building a family they cherished deeply. They welcomed two sons, Isaiah and Jeremiah, into their lives in 1997 and 2010. Sonia adored her “boys” immensely and dedicated her life to loving and caring for them. 

Her career included working for Oprah Winfrey in Chicago and more recently, Quinton Residential Living, where she worked with families in need of services for loved ones with developmental disabilities. 

Friends and family knew Sonia’s passion for cooking and dancing as she loved sharing her “Casa de Martinez” on Facebook. She was an avid Cubs fan and although her many Sox fan family members tried to convert her, she never wavered. 

Sonia was a proud Puerto Rican. She loved her culture and roots which she shared with all through food and music. She loved salsa dancing and celebrations with family and friends. She loved interior decorating and holiday decorating – which included her seasonal tree in her home – not just for Christmas but for Valentine’s day, Fourth of July, and Halloween. Her talent shined through planning and decorating for family events and celebrations. 

Sonia had an eye for fashion from the time she could walk. She loved putting together the perfect outfit, keeping up with the latest trends, and expressing herself through her unique sense of style. Family and friends could always count on her to be fashionably late—but when she arrived, she did so with confidence, grace, and the unmistakable presence of the queen she was.

She was spirited, outspoken, and never afraid to tell you exactly what she thought. That honesty, paired with her fierce loyalty and big heart, is exactly what those who knew and loved her will remember most. If Sonia was your friend, she was in your corner for life. Sonia was blessed with a beautiful sisterhood through her friendships with Mary Garza, Gabriela Soriano, Felicia Bermudez, and Jennifer Castaneda. They stood beside one another through life’s celebrations and sorrows, sharing joy, offering comfort, and providing unwavering support through every season of life.

Sonia had a smile that could light up a room and a laugh that was impossible not to join in on. Her joy, wit, and vibrant spirit left an impression wherever she went, and her memory will continue to brighten the hearts of everyone who was fortunate enough to know her.

Sonia’s greatest legacy is the love she leaves behind. She was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, aunt, cousin, and friend whose presence brought strength, laughter, and comfort to so many. She loved deeply, stood fiercely by the people she cared about, and made those around her feel seen and valued.

Her passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of her family and friends. There is an emptiness that can never truly be filled, because Sonia was one of a kind. While our hearts are broken, we are grateful for the memories she gave us, the lessons she taught us, and the unconditional love she shared so freely.

Though her voice is now silent, her spirit will continue to live on in the stories we tell, the laughter we share, the strength she inspires in us, and the love that binds our family together. Sonia’s life was a gift, and her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

She is preceded in death by her loving mother, Rosario Youvet Vasquez (nee Sostre), and grandparents, Pedro Youvet, and Victoria Sostre.

She is survived by her husband, Abelardo Martinez, sons, Isaiah Xavier Martinez, and Jeremiah Daniel Martinez; father, Jorge Vasquez; sisters, Carmen Dolores (Reynoldo) Rodriguez, and Nydia Ivette Rodriguez; father-in-law, Abelardo, and mother-in-law, Beatriz Martinez; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ramiro (Lourdes) Martinez, and Angela (Javier) Torres; nephews, Roberto Rodriguez, Luis Manuel Rodriguez, Jalen Elijah Rodriguez, Alejandro Gabriel Ruiz, Dominic Miller, Nicolas Martinez, and Abraham Torres; nieces, Yari Iveliss Rodriguez, Tatiana Martinez, Jeweliana Rose’Rene Rodriguez, Sienna Miller, Juliana Bermudez, Arianna Bermudez, Adriana Bermudez, Amanda Martinez, Alona Martinez, Jaslene Torres, Victoria Jaime Banda, and Alyzae Kristelle Banda’Pena; goddaughter, Leah Bermudez; and cousins, Luis (Felicia) Bermudez, Robert Bermudez, Victor (Lisette) Bermudez, and Hector (Elisa) Cruz.

Services for Sonia will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 7535 Taft Street, Merrillville, IN 46410, with visitation from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and a funeral service to follow at 3:00 PM. Following Sonia’s services, cremation will take place.