IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Maria A. Martinez

"Mary" • "Little Mary"

December 10, 1950 – August 20, 2026

Maria Antoinetta Martinez, known by many as Mary or "Little Mary," passed on August 20, 2026, at the age of 75. She was preceded in death by her parents, Pedro and Maria Louisa Briones Martinez, and her three brothers: Pedro ("Pete") Martinez and wife Irene, Johnny (Juan) Martinez, survived by wife Judy, and George (Jorge) Martinez. She was the youngest and only daughter of the Martinez family.

A Fox Tech graduate, Mary grew up surrounded by family, music, and tradition. Her older brother Pete was an outstanding accordion player, and she loved tagging alongside her father to hear him play. Those memories and the Spanish music culture she cherished remained close to her heart throughout her life.

Mary was unforgettable. Whether it was the sexy slide and lift of her right foot while slow dancing in her 6-inch heels, her pinky finger raised while enjoying a drink, or walking into any room with a smile no matter the situation, she left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Family and friends will always remember how she drove with one foot on the brake and the other on the gas in an automatic vehicle, insisting she learned that way from driving a standard transmission. They will remember her favorite color red, her laughter, and the joy she brought wherever she went.

Her Work and Dedication

Mary dedicated more than 25 years as a telephone operator with Checker/Yellow Cab Company. It was there that she met Leonardo Rico, who was working as a cab driver at the time. They began as friends and built a friendship that would last through the years.

After leaving Yellow Cab, Mary went to work with Leonardo at Rico's Rigsby Icehouse. What started as a working relationship eventually grew into something more, and together they built not only a partnership in life but also in business. Mary later became part-owner of the icehouse, helping create a lively and welcoming neighborhood gathering place where friends always felt like family.

Even on the slowest days, she was reluctant to close because she knew one of the regulars might stop by for a beer or two on the way home. Easter Sunday remained the one day each year the doors would close so she could spend precious time with her grandchildren.

A Heart for Others

Anyone blessed enough to cross paths with Mary knew they had met someone special.

She brought out the best in people. Even while dealing with her own health challenges, she never hesitated to sit beside someone in the hospital or by their bedside when they were sick. She gave freely of herself and had a heart big enough for everyone.

As a single mother of three, she taught her children the value of hard work, respect, proper manners, and strong principles. Yet her heart found a new softness when she became a grandmother.

From her first grandchild, Valerie, to every great-grandchild who followed, she treasured each one. She shared a particularly special and unbreakable bond with her grandson Christopher, whom she nicknamed "Tata." Born just two days before her own birthday, he held an especially dear place in her heart.

To many, she was not only Mom and Grandma. She became family to countless children and friends who grew up alongside her own.

Survived By

Children

Paul Jr. and wife Adela Mata

Maria Louisa "Macca" Mata

Herminia "Minia" Mata

Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren

Valerie Ann and her children Javier, Marisela, and Julian Solis

Paul III and his children Gabriella and Paul IV

Savanna Mata

Samantha Mata

Michael Ortega Mata

Israel Ortega Mata

Gabriella Ortega Mata

Amanda Angel Mata and her children Adam, Lillian, Vivian, Madlian, and Evelian Espinosa

Anna Angel Mata and her children Zachary Mata, Krysten, Erick, and Selena Estrada

Moxie Angel Mata

Christopher Nicholas Mata

Miguel "Mikey" Gonzalez and wife Balbina and their children Serenity Faith, Michael Anthony, Nino Messiah, Jojo, Mireyah, Miguel III, Matthew, and Gerardo

Sarah Christine "La Shona" Gonzalez and son Mason

David Julian "Hercules" Gonzalez, fiancée Gia, and his children Gabriella ("Gabby"), Hermonie, Amora, and Papa ("Lil' D")

Moses Adam Mata and wife Jasmine

A Final Reflection

Some people leave memories. Mary left a presence.

Whether she was sitting beside someone in the hospital, sharing a laugh with friends, dancing in her heels, serving a regular customer who became family, or making her famous papas and homemade tortillas, she gave people something they never forgot: her time, her loyalty, and her heart.

She never needed a grand stage to make an impact. She made her mark in everyday moments, through kindness, strength, humor, and love. To know her was to have a story about her. To be loved by her was a blessing. And to lose her leaves a place that can never truly be filled.

Though her family and friends will miss her deeply, the lessons she taught, the memories she created, and the love she shared will continue to live on through every child, grandchild, great-grandchild, niece, nephew, and friend whose life she touched.

She leaves behind a vibrant legacy through her family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will forever treasure her lively spirit, strength, and unconditional love. And no one will ever forget her famous papas or her homemade tortillas, made with hands full of love and a heart even bigger than their size.

Forever In Our Hearts

She will forever be in our hearts and always will be missed.

"A beautiful soul is never forgotten."

❤️