Maria Arabella Martinez

Friday, Dec. 18, 2015

SALT LAKE CITY — Maria Arabella Martinez, 93, died Dec. 6, 2015.

Martinez was born Oct. 29, 1922 in Trujillo, Colo. to Feliciano and Maria Josepha Valdez. She married Jose O. Martinez in 1948 in Trujillo, Colo.; they later divorced.

Martinez was an active member of St. Patrick Parish from 1968 until she entered St. Joseph’s Villa in 2010, where she enjoyed attending daily Mass.

The family extends their thanks to the entire pastoral staff at St. Joseph’s Villa, especially Father Anastasius Iwuoha.

Martinez dearly loved all of her children and she supported them whenever the need arose. She doted on all of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and most recently her great-great-grandson.

She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Howard; sons Joseph Samuel Martinez and Michael (Ann) Martinez; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; brother Gene Valdez; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Maryann; her parents; sisters Rachel Archuleta, Elissama Martinez, Delphine McFatridge, Phyllis Hakes and Rose Facker; and brother Gilbert Valdez.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Patrick Catholic Church.

The family would like to thank the entire staff of St. Joseph’s Villa for the loving care their mother received during the last five years of her life.

In lieu of flowers, give someone you love a kiss and a hug in remembrance of her. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.starksfuneral.com.

Mama, vaya con Dios.