Natalia Mercedes Martinez

Natalia Mercedes Baro Martinez passed away on August 8, 91 years young, of complications from a stroke. The eldest of ten children, she was raised in Santa Margarita, California. She was preceded in death by her parents, David L. and Reynalda Baro of Santa Margarita, and siblings David A. Baro of Santa Margarita, Sage Baro and Irene Baro Lane, both of Atascadero. Her life was filled with family, music, community and church activities. As the eldest of ten children, Natalia (Nellie) grew up with the love of family. She nurtured her younger siblings and came to enjoy robust family gatherings. The annual 4th of July Baro Reunion was a favorite. She adored her children and grandchildren, as they adored her. For Nellie, it was always family first. In her final days, her prayers were for her family. Her family was truly blessed to have her in their lives for so long. Nellie’s music career began by taking lessons on an upright piano in the family farmhouse in Santa Margarita. Over her lifetime, she became an accomplished pianist and organist. She served as church organist in three churches and a guest musician in churches from Saratoga, California to Syracuse, New York. She shared her talents with many by playing for family weddings and Christmas celebrations. She also gave piano lessons to neighborhood children and give her own children a lifetime love of music. Nellie was involved in numerous community activities. Most notably she was an active parent volunteer and earning a lifetime membership in the California Parent Teachers Association. She was a charter member of the St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in La Puente, California. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Baldwin Park, California for many years where she served as both a deacon and an elder. Her surviving siblings include Ben Baro of Madera, Roy Baro of Santa Margarita, Alice Baro Quartuccio of Paso Robles, Ed Baro of Tijuana, Jess Baro of Atascadero and Joe Baro of Reno, Nevada. Her surviving children are Erlinda Martinez of Huntington Beach, Gloria Martinez of Menlo Park and Michael Martinez Lamka of Santa Rosa. Her grandchildren are Robert Scroggins, Westminster, David Scroggins, Huntington Beach, Breanne and Dan Lamka, both of Santa Rosa. Her great grandaughter Everly Natalia-Rose Scroggins is due in October. In remembrance, her family requests donations to the Natalia B. Martinez Scholarship Fund ? Santa Ana College Foundation, 1530 17th Street, Santa Ana, California, 92706 Arrangements provided by Chapel of the Roses, Atascadero.