Elena D. Martinez

Elena D. Martinez passed away on April 29, 2018 at the age of 85. She lived her life to be a civil servant and an active member of the community. Elena gave her time to catholic charities in Kingsville, Texas and was a lifelong member at St. Gertrude’s Catholic Church. She served on the board at Kingsville Area Educators Federal Credit Union, Woodmen of the World, and was on the board of directors for the Santa Gertrude’s Cemetery. Elena took pride in her work at Texas A&I University-Education Department for 25 years, where she helped countless students achieve their dreams. Elena is fondly remembered for her loving service to anyone in need. She loved all and never knew a stranger. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. She will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Imelda Martinez; parents, Lionel and Josefa De La Rosa; brother, Lionel De La Rosa, Jr.

Elena is survived by her husband of 67 years, Jesus Martinez; daughters, Norma (Luis) Gonzales, Gracie Stillman (Carlos Cavazos), Lisa (Ted) Trevino; brother, Jose De La Rosa; sister, Maria Luisa Alvarez; 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and extended family members.

The family will receive condolences on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Treviño Funeral Home, 3006 Niagara St. @ Port, with a holy rosary recited at 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 3, 2018, at Our Lady of Pilar Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Brooke's Blossoming Hope for Childhood Cancer Foundation: http://www.brookesblossoms.org/

Nena is survived by her best friend, Jesus, of 67 years. The inspiration and their love served as a worthy model in their daughter's lives. She was a wife and mother who lived her life to be a civil servant and an active member of her community. She gave her time to catholic charities in Kingsville, Texas and was a lifelong member at St. Gertrude’s Catholic Church where she served on the Altar Society. She served on the board of directors at the Kingsville Area Educators Federal Credit Union, Woodmen of the World, and the Santa Gertrude’s Cemetery. Nena took pride in her work at Texas A&I University-Education Department for 25 years, where she helped countless students achieve their dreams. One of her main priorities was to ensure that students were able to pursue their educational goals and obtain the much needed financial assistance to attain their dreams. Through her volunteer work in the various organizations she raised thousands of dollars which resulted in hundreds of scholarships for students attending colleges or universities. The value of acquiring an education was instilled in each daughter who then served as lifelong educators. The family fondly remembers her for surrounding herself with family and friends. There were no strangers in her life as she welcomed and embraced all whose paths she crossed. There were several instances where college students lived with the family because she would bring home anyone that needed help. Everyone was always amazed at how she would find "friends" everywhere she went. The family admires her for having the skill of surrounding herself with kind and loving people and for making people feel comfortable in all situations. Nena will be missed by her family and friends but we will never forget her kindness, her giving nature, and her warm heart. Our memories of her cherished life will bring comfort and remind us of how to treat others.

Until we meet again, sweet Nena, we love you. Keep dancing.

You are now in God's hands. Salud