April 13, 2017 Our beloved saint on Earth, Matilde G. Martinez, passed away peacefully at home, at the age of 99, surrounded by her loving family on Holy Thursday (her favorite part of the liturgical year).

She was the second oldest of 11 children born to Juan and Agapita Gomez, and was raised in New Mexico on a family homestead.

Matilde was married to Paul Martinez (now deceased) for 48 years and they eventually moved their family to North Highlands, CA, where she resided until her passing.

She is survived by their children, Juan Martinez (Eileen); Paul Martinez, Jr (Marge - deceased); Rubie Pelton (Mike); Damas Martinez (Cindy), and Michael Martinez (Gloria), and her siblings Genoveva Candelaria, Beatrice Rodriguez, and Joe Gomez. She is also survived by a legacy of love in her 19 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, and 4 great, great grandchildren.

A devout Catholic and parishioner of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Matilde was actively involved in the church community for over 60 years. Some young children (and even some "old children") - both inside and outside the family - believed that she was really a living saint. Her central guiding force was her faith, and her life was one of daily prayer. She enjoyed all of God's gifts, including her family, working in her garden, and creating beautiful works of art through sewing, quilting and crocheting. Her beautiful life as the family matriarch will always be cherished in the lives of her children and large extended family, and we will forever miss her.

RELIGIOUS SERVICES: St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 4325 Don Julio Blvd, N. Highlands, CA, 95660. Viewing and rosary: Thursday 4/20, 5-8PM; Funeral Mass: Friday 4/21 at 10 AM; Graveyard services at Calvary Cemetery, 7101 Verner Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95841, followed by a reception at St. Lawrence Parish Hall.

The Martinez family expresses its profound gratitude to the staff of Bristol Hospice for the excellent compassionate care and guidance you gave us and our mother during her last days.

REMEMBRANCES: In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 503 Giuseppe Court, Roseville, CA 95678 in memory of Matilde G. Martinez. Thank you.

Published in The Sacramento Bee on Apr. 19, 2017