Rosario Martinez

Our beloved Rosario Martinez, dedicated Wife, Mother to five, Grandma and Tia to many, and Comadre Chayo to others, passed away May 12, 2023 at the age of 82. Rosario "Chayo" was born to Angel and Celia Gomez in Tampico, Mexico in 1940. She immigrated and settled in Harlingen, Texas at a young age. While establishing roots in Harlingen, she caught the eye of her sweetheart, Rene Martinez, who precedes her in death. She married Rene Martinez on November 24, 1963, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church before family and friends. They spent decades together building their home and growing a loving family. Joyous occasions in the home often surrounded the family dining table. Mom was well known through family generations of being a fabulous cook. Her flour tortillas were legendary. She worked tirelessly to support her family as head cook at a school for Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District. Word of her command in the kitchen reached the local Boys Scout Chapter where she was asked to mentor and cook at Camp Perry, Texas. While working and raising her family she found time to study for her citizenship test and proudly became an American Citizen in 1987. She often boasted at the highway border checkpoints that she did not need a passport anymore because she was an American. Mom enjoyed cooking with her grandchildren, playing loteria, and many trips to the casinos. She loved to dance and loved the smells and sights of Christmas. Mom had a beautiful voice and would sing Christmas Carols throughout our home. Mom was a champion of education always pushing her children to strive further. We owe much of our success to her perseverance. Mom was larger than life. She was the family cheerleader. She celebrated every milestone, every accomplishment, every union and birthday. Her love and affection was abundant, often traveling to cherish celebratory moments with extended family and friends. Her support and affection knew no bounds. After retiring from HCISD, Mom split her leisure time with all her children traveling up and down the Lone Star State. Her surviving children include Rene Martinez (Monica) of Tomball, Texas, Rudy Martinez (Connie) of College Station, Texas, Bricy Wegner (Danny) of Mission, Texas, Julissa Martinez (†David Garcia) of Waxahachie, Texas. She is also preceded in death by our baby sister, Liliana Campbell (Jeffrey) of Houston, Texas. Mom was known as a doting Grandmother to a dozen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren always sharing her winnings and sweet pastries with them all. Her memory and life teachings will live forever. Visitation will be held at Rudy Garza Funeral Home on Thursday, May 18, 2023 from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM with the holy rosary to be prayed at 6:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be held Friday, May 19, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with interment to follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park Cemetery.

Rosario Martinez

September 14, 1940 - May 12, 2023

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