Tributes

Cynthia Ann Martinez, our beloved “Nee Nees,” died peacefully on May 27, 2024. She was a wonderful sister, friend, loving aunt and godmother. Cynthia was born on February 23, 1962 to parents Isaac and Theresa Martinez. She spent her elementary school years at St. John the Evangelist. She briefly attended middle school at St. Joseph’s in Brownsville, Texas and then 8th grade at Blessed Sacrament in San Antonio. Cynthia graduated from Incarnate Word High School and worked at USAA as an insurance specialist for 40 years. In 2003, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology of Organizations and Development, Cum Laude, from the University of the Incarnate Word. She was employed with USAA since graduating high school and received many accolades for her accomplishments in new member sales and flood divisions. She became well known for her interpersonal skills and leadership qualities. Cynthia is described by her co-workers as someone who could make “instant connections” with USAA members. She was strong in networking and provided opinions clearly and professionally to her co-workers and leadership. Her managers loved her because she was a “reliable team leader and easy to work with.” She kept a watchful eye on USAA members, giving sound insurance advice and helping them navigate the complicated aspects of the insurance business. Cynthia also kept a “watchful eye” on her co-workers and friends at work. There are many stories of her providing meals to colleagues when they worked through lunch. She would show up with food and tell them, “You have been in meetings all day and you have not eaten…you need to eat.” Cynthia spent a great deal of time volunteering in the San Antonio community including fundraising and other efforts revolving around St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church. Above all, Cynthia absolutely loved spending time with her nephews, nieces, godson, and any other families needing someone to help take care of the kids. She spent every waking moment on the comfort and entertainment of her nephews and nieces Adam, Julia, Diana and Isaac. She attended every function from preschool graduations to high school and college graduations and all sporting, dance, choir and awards ceremonies and theatre. She made sure that each of these children felt special and spoiled them with endless gifts of kindness and love. She was a godsend to her sister in helping raise Adam, coming over to play with him whenever he called, going on field trips and vacations, and giving him many gifts, including pet dogs. She adopted each one of his baseball, soccer, and basketball teammates as her own. Cynthia worked with diligence and persevered during multiple organizational transitions at USAA. These issues did not deter her focus on family and friends, and she only spoke of the next time she would see the kids and the next party or get together for each of the children in her life. She was the “organizer” of family events and fun for the kids. She orchestrated the Fiesta tradition of attending parades, making sure the kid’s got cascarones, medals and their favorite food. As children grew into adults, she still made sure they had their fair share of the Fiesta celebration. All of this while still attending to volunteer efforts associated with NIOSA. Distance was not an issue for Cynthia, as her brother moved to Boerne, she made the weekly drive (sometimes twice a week) to watch her nieces and nephew at their baseball, football, dance, and choir events. Of course, she would always show up with some gift of kindness and affection as was her nature. It didn’t matter how far an event was, Cynthia was going to make sure she made the event regardless of distance or time. She was the premier model of a genuine, loving and kind aunt. Cynthia also had a passion and soft spot for dogs. She served as the “Kahu”, or guardian and protector, for many dogs in her lifetime, including her beloved Desiree, Sade, Choco, and Penny. She shared this passion with her godson, Adam, by giving him two dogs, Dizzy and Franklin. Cynthia loved the beach. Our family lived near the beach in Brownsville and traveled to beaches from Galveston to California during family vacations. She embraced the beach going excursions during the heyday of Port Aransas spring breaks in the 1980’s and never stopped. Her friends describe her as someone who could “stay at the beach all day.” She was a consummate traveler and was prepared for any condition that might occur (e.g. rain, sand, sunburn, snacks, and drink). She accompanied her nieces and nephews to the coast on many occasions and could stay in the pool and the beach all day (and night). Cynthia took her last beach trip with her co-workers and friends last year. What a momentous occasion! Cynthia enjoyed vacationing with her family and friends. She regularly accompanied her mom, grandmother, siblings, and other family members to Santa Fe and the across the border in South Texas. She collected various artistic creations of the crucifix, seashells, décor for her home and of course…clothes and shoes. Her musical tastes ranged from conjunto, country, female vocalists, and rock from the 70’s and 80’s. Cynthia did not only listen to music, but she also fully participated in the musical experience. She loved festivals. During the early 80’s she attended many rock venues including the memorable all-day rock events in Dallas, Texas. Some of her favorite artists include Sade, Stevie Nicks, Selena and Gloria Gaynor. Cynthia was well-liked and had many friends over the years because of her genuine sincerity and humorous nature. She was strong, independent, and resourceful. She was “the cool sister,” not only to her little brother and older sister but also to their friends. Her friends describe her in this brief anecdote: “Every time you spent time with Cynthia, you knew it was going to be an adventure.” Cynthia was a dedicated daughter and granddaughter. She spent time with her mother and integrated that time in with her friends and uncles. She enjoyed helping her grandmother “Granny” and frequently visited with her “Abuela.” She was a dedicated, committed sister, aunt and friend and provided the love and support for her family and friends, regardless of life’s challenges. She was a woman of her word and was deliberate in her decision-making. She exhibited tolerance, support and undying love for her family and the virtues of diligence and charity as her most important legacy. She will be dearly missed. She is survived by her sister Sandra Lopez (Charles); brother Isaac G. Martinez (Vanessa); Other survivors include nephews and nieces, Adam Rey Aldrete (Kaitlyn), Julia Ginther, Diana Ginther and Isaac Vela Martinez. Services Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm, with a rosary at 7:00pm at Mission Park North Chapel, 3401 Cherry Ridge, San Antonio, Texas 78230. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 10:00am at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 700 Dewhurst, San Antonio, Texas 78213 with interment to follow at Cordi-Marian Resurrection Cemetery.

Tributes

Cynthia Ann Martinez

February 23, 1962 - May 27, 2024