Gavina Laurel Martinez

Gavina Laurel Martinez, 93, of Harlingen, Texas, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, April 17, 2022. She was born on December 29, 1928, in San Isidro, Texas. She is preceded in death by her loving parents, Jose Laurel and Amparo Elizondo Laurel. She was a graduate of Mission High School. As a young woman, Gavina married Alejandro Romulo Martinez on February 15, 1951; the honeymooners moved to El Paso to start their lives together as a married couple. Gavina’s main focus was ensuring the wellbeing of her family and maintaining a loving home. While in El Paso, Gavina was active in LULAC, Scotsdale Elementary School’s PTA, and the Eastwood High School Booster Club, where she served as Treasurer. Gavina was a dynamic, lively, and intelligent woman. She enjoyed solving crossword puzzles, discussing politics, and reading. She was constantly challenging herself. She loved math and took college-level math classes “for fun.” In 1988, Gavina and Alejandro, now retired, moved to Harlingen. They delighted in watching their grandchildren grow up and in socializing with extended family members who lived throughout the Valley. Left behind to cherish her memory are her son Oscar B. Martinez and his wife Yolanda; daughter Cynthia I. Martinez; and daughter Ida C. Martinez-Ovalle. She is also survived by grandchildren Joshua A. Martinez; Michael A. Ramirez; Rachel C. Aranda and her husband Jesse; and Jennifer A. Martinez. Gavina is preceded in death by her husband of almost 53 years, Alejandro Romulo Martinez; her son-in-law Henry Ovalle; and siblings Angelina Garza, Eudelia Garcia, Valente Laurel, Hortencia Olivarez, Maria Hinojosa, Gumecindo Laurel, and Amparo Laurel. Visitation will begin on Friday, April 22, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will begin Saturday, April 23, 2022, departing Rudy Garza Funeral Home at 9:30 a.m. for a Christian mass at Queen of Peace and burial to follow at Restlawn Memorial Park in La Feria, Texas. Pallbearers: Josh A. Martinez, Jesse Aranda, Pablo Elizondo, Jr., Javier Hinojosa, Ernest Rodriguez and Gume Laurel Jr. Honorable Pallbearers: Pablo Elizondo, Sr., Omar Olivarez and Jose Laurel. Funeral services are under the care and direction of Rudy Garza Funeral Home of Harlingen, Texas.

Gavina Laurel Martinez

December 29, 1928 - April 17, 2022

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