Marta Hernandez

It is with great sadness that the family of Marta Durón Hernandez, 87, announces her passing on June 22, 2022, in her hometown of El Paso, TX. Marta was born on February 15, 1935 to Agustin and Antonia Duron. She grew up in El Paso’s Segundo Barrio alongside younger brothers, Roberto Duron and Luis Urquizo.

As a young girl, Marta pushed back against the societal expectations for women of that era, devoting much of her time to her academic studies and intramural sports. She began working at an early age as a clerk at the El Paso Public Library. Marta went on to graduate among the top of her class at Bowie High School in 1953.

Staying true to her alma mater’s motto, “Once a Bear, always a Bear”, Marta remained active in the Bowie Alumni Association for 52 years, holding many positions within the organization. Her most recent position, and the one she was most passionate about was that of Scholarship Chairperson. She devoted countless hours poring over applications and awarded dozens of scholarships to Bowie students. Marta was often invited to her recipients’ college graduations, which made her beam with delight.

Marta’s greatest source of pride was her family. She raised 5 children of her own, and was known for picking up numerous “bonus kids” along the way. She was a Cub Scout den mother, president of the PTA, and always ready to cheer her kids on in sports, dance, and marching band.

Marta began her career with the City of El Paso in 1959 as a clerk for the public inspection department and continued to work her way through the ranks. In 1985, it came as no surprise when she was appointed City Tax Assessor/Collector. Later that year, she ran for the position and was elected. She held the position until her retirement in 1995.

Even while meeting and exceeding the demands of her various full-time positions with the City of El Paso, Marta endeavored to pursue an associate’s degree in education at El Paso Community College and attended continuing education courses throughout her life at both UTEP and EPCC.

In true “Marta” fashion, retirement did not mean shuffleboard and sweet tea on the porch. Marta continued to be active in countless organizations, including Discover El Paso, United Way of El Paso, Texas Municipal League, El Paso Commission for Women, Hispanic Women’s Network, Hispanic Leadership Institute, El Paso Women’s Political Caucus, Eastside Civic Association, Centro San Vicente Board of Directors, and El Paso County Historical Society. If that wasn’t enough to keep her busy, Marta also raised two of her grandchildren when their mother unexpectedly passed away. She was a force to be reckoned with.

Marta enjoyed movies, and meals out with her friends and family— so much so that the ushers at “her” Cinemark knew to prepare her popcorn tray and Diet Coke as soon as they saw her pull up. A foodie at heart, Marta frequented many local restaurants. One restaurant even offered a “Marta Special” because she ordered the same breakfast every Saturday. Marta’s greatest love outside her friends and family was sweets. She never met a dessert she didn’t like!

Marta travelled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and Mexico. On one of her trips to the UK, she was united with her childhood penpal, who had tracked her down through a newspaper ad. Marta was always up for an adventure!

Marta was honored with several awards, including Elected Woman of the Year by the El Paso Women’s Education and Employment organization, Woman of the Year in Politics and the Barbara Cole Award by the El Paso Women’s Political Caucus, and a 1987 REACH award by the YWCA. The El Paso Commission for Women inducted Marta into the Hall of Fame for Public Service and even had a street named after her on El Paso’s East Side.

Marta was greeted in heaven by her parents Agustin and Antonia Duron, brothers Roberto Duron and Luis Urquizo, daughter Irma Hernandez, son-in-law Sam Partido, daughter-in-law Maggie Banks, and beloved pug Ursula.

Marta is survived by daughters Virginia (James) Duran; Alice (Sam-deceased) Partido; sons Ralph (Elena) Hernandez; Ed (Valerie) Hernandez; Albert (Lorena) Hernandez; grandchildren Aaron and Nicholas Duran; Brian, Travis and Samantha Partido; Katy Hernandez and Bryce Banks; Spencer and Eric Hernandez; Connor, Kyle, and Regan Hernandez, Joselyn and Irvin Gallegos; bonus granddaughter, Amber “Heather” Perez; great-grandchildren Addison and Alivia Partido; Zayn Hernandez.

A visitation for Marta will be held Wednesday, July 6, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM, with a rosary beginning at 10:00 AM at Martin Funeral Home East, 1460 George Dieter Dr, followed by mass at 12:00 PM at St. Raphael Parish, 2301 Zanzibar Rd, and burial at 1:00 PM at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, 402 S. Zaragoza Rd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bowie Alumni Scholarship Fund.