Betty Boop and Jean Naté

For 35 years I have had the most incredible honor of having one of God's hand-picked angels as my grandma. To many of you, she was Mrs. Martinez, elementary school teacher and an inspiration to your early childhood. To our family she was so much more. She was a wife, mom, grandma, great-grandma, teacher, counselor, the foundation to which our family is firmly rooted.
She taught me that persistence is the key to success in life, and though you might not have the right answer the first time, the red marks crossing out your errors will eventually fade and what remains is the lasting knowledge and satisfaction of having found the right answer.
She taught me that kindness is the greatest virtue, and no matter your personal feelings toward a person, smile and treat them with kind words and you will be a thousand times rewarded.
She taught me that even though you may not always believe in God, He will always believe in you and through Him all prayers are answered, whether it's the answer you had hoped for or not.
Above all this, she taught me the importance of family. Under her wing, my family has been a constant source of pride. There is not a single person in my family that has not been shaped in some way by her hands and her heart, and because of this, they are the most amazing people I have ever known. Accepting of everyone, once you are a part of our family, you know it.
To her former students and my St. Mary's Stars I would like to leave this little bit of comfort: She loved every single one of you. She believed in every single one of you. If ever there was a time that she expressed frustration with you, it was absolutely not that she didn't like you. It was because she knew your potential and she knew that you weren't trying to reach that potential. Please remember her warmly as she remembered each of you.
To my family, thank you, thank you, thank you for being the most incredible people. We have definitely suffered another great loss, but I know that her strength lives in each of us. I only hope that our future generations understand the meaning of family and come together as we always do in the face of adversity.
And finally, Grandma, if you can see this now, please take my love with you. Thank you for so many wonderful memories and stories I can pass down to my own children and grandchildren. I know that in your final days you endured much suffering and I am so grateful that God finally heard our prayers and released you from it. As difficult as it is, as are all goodbyes, I know we have to let you go, but I will think of you often. Whenever I see Betty Boop I'll know you're there. Whenever I catch the familiar scent of the Jean Naté perfume that was your signature, I will find comfort in the memory of your perfect embrace. I find happiness now knowing that you are finally reunited with Grandpa after so many long years apart. Be with him now and forever and keep watch over us always. I love you, Grandma. Rest in peace.
Enid E. Martinez
10/31/1930 - 01/30/2013