Ms. Elsa Beatriz Martinez

Elsa Beatriz (“Betty”) Martinez, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, best friend and neighbor, to all who knew her, passed away peacefully with her children at her bedside on September 29, 2020. At the Lord’s choosing, she rests now and watches over us, and is tended to by the angels.

Elsa was born on February 18, 1937 in Lima, Peru to Nestor and Hortencia Martinez. She grew up in a large family with 11 siblings within the Distrito de Surquillo, where she was known for her beauty and energetic laugh, quick wit and adventurism. After high school she studied and was certified as an accountant before marrying Alfredo Ezekiel Martinez in 1960, her devoted love of her life. In 1963 she immigrated to Chicago, Illinois to join Alfredo with the simple mission of raising her children and providing them a better life.

“Betty” as she was known by her family and friends, worked at Sky Chefs/American Airlines as a meal preparer for flights, while raising four children and taking care of a growing US-state-side Peruvian tribe as well as Hispanic families in need, first in Chicago and then in Hanover Park, Illinois. In 1981, her family relocated to Fort Worth, Texas where she continued with Sky Chefs and established an ice cream vending business with Alfredo. Always mindful of her piety and faith, she organized weekly church cleaning events and helped organize the choir, while attending to families in need – she did so humbly, without notice or want of attention.

Betty began traveling more frequently after the passing of Alfredo in 2003, visiting relatives throughout the United States, Spain, and especially Peru. Throughout every visit, she would immediately begin cooking ethnic meals and hosting friends and families for long evenings of stories, music and dance. Ever attentive to her grandchildren, she would spend time with them whenever possible – teaching them her values of self-discipline, work ethics, spirituality and faith, positivity, giving back to the community and being graceful under pressure, while ensuring that they always respected their family members and elders – all while cooking them their special favorite meals.

Although her family and friends grieve her loss, they are humbled to have been part of her life and know that she is in a better place, with her love of her life and her siblings, there with the Lord she ably served.

Elsa Martinez was preceded in death by her loving husband Alfredo Ezekiel Martinez of 43 years and her parents Nestor and Hortencia Martinez. She is survived by her children, Maria Askew of Fort Worth, Texas, Juan Martinez of Chicago, Illinois, Jaime Martinez of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Carolina Martinez of Chicago, Illinois; sisters Nellie Hortencia Martinez Luna of Lima, Peru and Yolanda Ewert of Manteca, California; grandson’s Alec Martinez, Darby Ezekiel Martinez, and Oscar Lindhal; granddaughter’s Stormy Ray Askew and Grace Elizabeth Martinez; son-in-law Rick Askew; former daughter-in-law Ms. Elizabeth Hakes Martinez; and Ms. Gillian Lindahl and Mr. Matthew Pope, her children’s partners, as well as many other relatives.

A private Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, October 2, 2020 at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park Colleyville, Texas. Elsa’s family is planning a memorial celebration of her life for late 2021 where family can safely gather.

If you wish to send floral condolences in honor of Ms. Martinez, you may call Lilium Floral Design at 817-589-1566 or http://www.liliumflorals.com