Romelia R. Martinez

Romelia R. Martinez was reunited with her late husband, Jose (“Honi”) Martinez, on her 88th birthday and their 67th wedding anniversary, on January 22, 2023. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

Romelia (“Romi”) was born in Fresnillo, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, the only daughter of six children. She attended Escuela Club de Leones. In addition to being an Ama de Casa, Romi was our maestra, sicóloga, enfermera, cocinera, pintora y, sobre todo, nuestra amiga. Romi had many interests. She loved cooking new recipes, knitting, sewing, crafting, sketching her own fashion designs, journaling, and spending time with her family.

As a skilled seamstress, Romi often made her own outfits, a personalized wedding dress for each daughter-in-law, and tailored her granddaughter’s wedding gown. Old and new friends regularly sought her out with requests for custom-made clothes. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren often received beautifully knitted blankets, and the family received handmade hats and scarves.

Romi was proud of each son. She cherished the road trips with them as they traveled throughout the country. She boasted about their musical talents to everyone. Le encantaba cuando tocaban juntos mientras ella bailaba con todos. Le gustaba el mitote. She shared memories of her youth, her long distance noviazgo, and her move to the United States where she and Honi established a home which inevitably became a home to four generations.

Romi is survived by her sons Jose Martinez Jr. (Mayra), Jorge Martinez (Audrey Garcia), Jaime Martinez (Graciela), Javier Martinez, (Livier) and Joel Martinez (Juliet). Mella, as her grandchildren called her, will be forever cherished by Austin Martinez, Lee Martinez (Donna), Rey Martinez (Dolores), Maricela Meraz (Francisco), Jaime Martinez II (Alejandra), Emilio Martinez, Elena Martinez, Aristotle Martinez, and Diego Martinez. Mella’s legacy continues with her great grandchildren Ariana Martinez, Dalilah Garcia, Gabriel Vasquez, Tyson Martinez, Cristian Bonilla, Lola Valdez, Isaac Martinez, Marlo Martinez, Francisco Meraz, Nayeli Meraz, and Benjamin Martinez. Romelia will also be greatly missed by her siblings, cousins, and a host of nephews, nieces and friends.

We will miss her laughter, zest for life, and her unconditional love. Descanse en Paz.

A visitation for Romelia Martinez will be on Friday, January 27th, from 3 to 8 p.m. at The Sourek Manor Funeral Home, 5645 W 35th St., Cicero. On Saturday, January 28th at funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Agnes of Bohemia Church at 9:30 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Justice, IL. For more information call The Sourek Manor Funeral Home at 708-652-6661.