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Micaela Lara Martinez entered eternal rest on March 20th, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. She was born on May 8th, 1931 in San Antonio, Texas to Ventura Hernandez Lara and Jacoba Jimenez Lara. Micaela was preceded in death by her parents, her six siblings, her husband, Guadalupe Gonzales Martinez, her sons, Michael Martinez and Gilbert Martinez, and her grandsons, Jose Angel Villarreal Jr., Eloy Chavez Jr., and Fernando Martinez Jr. She is survived by her daughters, Lupita Villarreal (Jose Angel), Margaret Vasquez (David Jesse), Alicia Patina (Paul), Sally Ann Chavez, and Norma Jean Martinez (Eduardo Jr.); son Roger Martinez (Rose); daughter-in-law Lisa Ann Ramirez; 21 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. If there was one thing that was important to Micaela it was family. Being the youngest of seven siblings, Micaela was taught that the key to a happy life wasn’t defined by the material things you possessed, but rather through the time spent with those you loved. After meeting the love of her life at the age of 19, at a baile in a small town outside of Lubbock, she would continue on to instill this value into their 8 children. While those children grew to have their own, she would never let you forget the importance of family. Whether you were her child, grandchild, great-grandchild, she would grab you by the hand, look you in the eyes, and tell you “No matter what happens, always stay together.” Micaela took pride in the strength that came with being a woman. No matter the occasion, she ensured that she was always looking her best; makeup and hair done, nails painted in her signature red. She made sure that there was never an empty belly in sight; starting off every conversation with “have you eaten yet?,” while simultaneously handing you a glass of her famous sweet tea and a plate of your personalized favorite meal. She also loved very deeply; friend or family, if Micaela loved you, you never had to doubt. Micaela was no stranger to what it meant to be a hard worker. Raising 8 children nearly single-handedly while her husband traveled to make ends meet, working multiple jobs at once, she sacrificed so much of her life to make that of her children’s a reality. After all that has been said, the essence of Micaela’s 92 years of life is not something that can easily be captured within a few words. She is the sound of Ramon Ayala playing on the radio. She is the smell of a tortilla fresh off the comal. She is the beauty you see in a newly bloomed red rose. She is the pride you feel after a job well done. She is the kiss of the sun when you need it most. Our mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, friend; our Micaela, will be very loved and very missed for the rest of our days.

Tributes

Micaela Lara Martinez

May 8, 1931 - March 20, 2024