Frances Martinez, 92 of Valparaiso, formerly of Gary and Portage, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. She was born on March 9, 1932 in East Chicago, IN to Hilario and Maria (Yufantes) Melendes and graduated from Washington High School. She devoted her life to raising her family and made her career as a cook at St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Gary for over 10 years. If you knew Frances, you knew she had quite the personality. She enjoyed shopping and antiquing, attending rummage sales, cross-stitching, going on walks, traveling, and cooking for her family, especially making tamales at Christmas. While at the Bonner Senior Center in Portage, she volunteered and sang in their senior choir. Her caring heart and signature smile will be missed by all who knew her.
On April 13, 1950 in Crown Point, Frances married Pedro Martinez, who preceded her in death in 2002. She is survived by children: Pete (Jan) Martinez, Olga (Ken) Koch, Sandy Hartlerode, Sally (Mike) Zein, Robert (Kathy) Martinez, and Patti (fiancé Paul) Thomas; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and a plethora of loving nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, John and Manuel; and sisters: Helen, Lupe, and Susan.
A memorial visitation will be held on August 3, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., with a service beginning at 12:00 PM. Private interment, along with her late husband Pedro, to take place at Angelcrest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Tanya’s Helping Home LLC.
GUESTBOOK
My deepest condolences to the Martinez family & friends. So sorry to hear about your mom, Frances passing. May the Lord give you all strength & peace at this difficult time. God bless, -Sylvia Zapata-Tucker
My condolences to the family. To Pete, Olga & the other members, I only have good memories of my aunt. May she rest in peace. -Santos Torres Jr.
Your mom was a kind woman with a great smile. We will never forget her taking the time to teach us the art of making tamales. She was one talented lady. Thinking of you and your family as you cope with the loss of a beloved lady. -Ken and Christine McAloon
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Our Franny was one of the strongest I’ve ever known. I could only hope and pray to be half as strong as she is. She’s deeply missed. -Tanya & Steve Farley
