Felisa Martinez

Her voice forever silenced, Felisa Martinez, the Matriarch of the Martinez family transcended into the hands of her heavenly father before God, surrounded by her loving family who never left her bedside at her residence on March 1, 2013. Before God called her home, he allowed her to share 87 years of herself with family and friends on this earth. Blessed from birth on December 12, 1925, she was born to Celestino and Nieves Betancourt in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. She shared her life with her brothers and sisters before joining in Holy Matrimony to her late husband, Jose Ocasio Martinez. In 1952, they relocated to the United States settling in Waukegan, IL with their 3 children and shared over 51 years together. To this union were born 8 children. During her presence here on earth, she walked in love and enjoyed the fruits of her spirit with her sense of humor and spunk for life. In her neighborhood she was known as everyone's mother, not to mention bestowed as the queen of Puerto Rican cuisine, especially her rice-by those who had the honor of enjoying her specialty. She never me a stranger and always had a chair for anyone who needed a good warm meal. She never held employment instead as a homemaker Felisa dedicated her efforts in assuring her children were well fed, had clean clothes and a bed to rest their head. Felisa also loved animals in particular her dog, "Cypress", her beloved pit bull who she shared for 17 years until his passing. She often gave passionately to the Anti-Cruelty Society wishing all God's creatures a chance in life. The surviving children are, Milagros "Chola" Reyes of Chicago, IL, David (Josephine) Martinez of Paddock Lake, WI, Efrain Martinez of Clearwater, FL, Maria (Rosel) Guzman of Waukegan, IL, Herman (Kim) Martinez of Waukegan, IL, Juan Antonio Martinez of Round Lake Beach, IL, Jose "Birdy" ( Leanne)Martinez of Rockford, IL, and Carmen Lucila "Cuni" Martinez her daughter with whom she had a special bonding and dedicated her entire life nurturing and providing her every need, unselfishly and with determination regardless of her challenges she faced in life. Also surviving are 2 sisters and 5 brothers. In addition to her surviving children, Felisa leaves 19 grandchildren to cherish her memory; 21 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and 1 great-great-great grandchild. Felisa is preceded in death by her loving husband, Jose Ocasio Martinez; 3 sons, Isreal, Ramon, and Ruben; son-in-law, Roger Reyes; and her parents. A Celebration of Life will held on Wednesday, March 6, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 508 Grand Ave., Waukegan, IL. Interment will follow at Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville, IL.Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2013, from 5:00-9:00 p.m at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, IL. The family offers special thanks to Star Hospice for their unselfish dedication to Felisa.