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Gloria G. Martinez December 11, 1941 – August 27, 2025 Gloria G. Martinez was born in Cuero, Texas. She moved to San Antonio and worked at the Shangrela Restaurant waitressing. One of the customers, Andrew B. Martinez (also known as Andy), would frequent the restaurant and purposely sit in the area Gloria attended. Before long, they fell in love and married on June 11, 1967. Shortly after, their home was filled with a family. Six boys and one girl. Gloria was well known for her delicious food. Gloria and Andy poured their hearts and energy working in their homemade trailer food booth. They were always invited to work at the Rancho del Charro, and Floresville Peanut Festival, but mostly they worked out of their backyard selling flautas, gorditas, and tamales to their loyal customers. In Gloria’s spare time, she dedicated herself to perfecting her homemade salsa and food. She kept a detailed appointment book tracking her orders, dates, and of course the money owed to her for her hard work. Not only was Gloria a true entrepreneur, always thinking of ways to make a dollar, but she was ahead of her time. She was the only vendor for many years selling cascarones and Easter baskets on Roosevelt Street. One year, others caught on to the money- making idea and Gloria suddenly had competition. True to her fighting spirit, Gloria would never back down from a match. She secretly sends one of her children to pretend they were interested in buying from the competitor just to find out their prices. She would then lower her price to offer her customers a deal they couldn’t refuse. Ultimately selling out of her product. Gloria was a fiercely protective mother. A real lioness when protecting her grandchildren. Her loyalty was absolute, and she was always there to offer straightforward support and candid advice whether you asked for it or not. She is preceded in death by her son Anthony Martinez and her beloved husband Andrew B. Martinez. She is survived by her children, Joe, Roy, Ernest, Andrea, Roland, Andy, 21 grandchildren, and 22 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son Anthony Martinez and her beloved husband Andrew B. Martinez. Gloria will be missed by those who loved her dearly.

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Gloria Gonzales Martinez

December 11, 1941 - August 27, 2025