Maria Bertha Martinez

Our beloved mother, Maria Bertha Martinez was born on September 17, 1940, to Elias and Basilia Hernandez in Alamo, Texas and the world lost this gentle soul, on May 19, 2024. Today, as we remember Bertha, let us also take a moment to express our gratitude for the way she brightened our lives. Her memory will forever be a source of comfort and inspiration. Bertha was predeceased by her father Elias Hernandez and mother Basilia Hernandez and her sister, Belia Garcia. Bertha is survived by her husband, Adolfo Martinez, her children, Judith Martinez- Palacios, Adriana Martinez- Perez, and David (Monica) Martinez, her grandchildren, Gabriella Palacios, Sofia Perez, David Martinez, Lucas Perez, Julia Martinez, Michael Palacios, and Nicolas Martinez. She is also survived by her sister, Belen Garcia. She devoted her life to being a wife, mother, and grandmother with family always a constant in her life. She provided her love, support, and devotion to the people in her life and the passions that drove her existence. Growing up, her close-knit family made the annual journey to Idaho as migrant farmworkers where her father served as a work crew leader and supervisor. Bertha, the eldest, was a shining example of brilliance. Her passion for her studies, particularly in Math drove her to plead with her parents to allow her to stay behind with her grandmother while her family continued to make their yearly journey. She served not only as her grandmother’s caretaker but led a life of service, dedication to education, and was known as the strength that held her family together. She was a proud PSJA Bearette and the first Mexican American to be crowned Miss Honey Bear at homecoming for the class of 1958. Graduating from PSJA High School in 1958, she used her love of math to seek a position as credit manager at the Man’s Shop in McAllen. It was there that she met the love of her life, Adolfo Martinez. They married on July 29, 1967, and went on to form an undeniable force as business partners and parents for the next 56 years. Their dedication to education led them to establish the Adolfo and Bertha Martinez Foundation at Pan American University and continues to provide financial assistance to students in need at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The same passion she had for her family and her academics spilled over to her dedication to her community. She was a member of the Renaissance Club, Pan American Round Table, and Our Lady of Sorrows Alter Society. Her service to her community also extended to serving as McHi Quarterback Club member, Girl Scout leader, band booster, and PSJA class of 1958 reunion organizer. Her dedication to providing opportunities for students and her involvement in the Child Study Club led her to work with McAllen ISD Escandon School and Regional Day School for the Deaf in offering students opportunities to attend yearly musicals, sharing her love of the arts with the school community. Even at the end she found a way to smile and laugh, and impart her passion for helping others, a legacy she leaves to all who had the profound honor of calling her mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, and defender of all who crossed her path. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Kreidler Funeral Home in McAllen, Texas with a Rosary beginning at 6:30pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00pm on Friday, May 24, 2024, a Our Lady of Sorrows Church in McAllen, where Father Andy E. Gutierrez will serve as celebrant. Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery.

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Maria Bertha Martinez

May 19, 2024