She grew up in Donna, Texas, surrounded by her loving parents and siblings. On October 11, 1983, she married Santiago Martinez in Edinburg, Texas, beginning a life filled with love, adventure, and devotion. As a dedicated Navy wife, mother, and grandmother, Cristina was the heart of her home. She often held down the fort, managing the home while her husband served overseas for months at a time. Her beautiful, sincere smile was just one expression of her big heart, and her kindness touched everyone who knew her. Cristina became a grandma in 2005. Her dedication and love created a foundation of comfort, stability, and joy that will forever be a part of her grandkids' hearts.
Cristina is survived by her loving husband, Santiago Martinez; her son, Santiago Martinez Jr., and his wife, Bellanira; her daughters, Tina Michelle Jauregui and her husband Roman, and Christie Nicole Martinez and her husband Joshua; her siblings, Oscar Valdez, Lupita Valdez Jimenez, Emma Valdez Sifuentes, Mary Valdez Gracia, and Rosalinda Valdez Barragan; and her cherished grandchildren: Ava (19), Sorienna (15), Roman Jr. (15), Haley (14), Arielle (12), Aleyna (11), Brooke (11), Isabelle (10), and Callie (4). She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Maria Beatriz Martinez, numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and "adopted" grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Pablo and Olivia Valdez; her brothers, Pablo Valdez Jr. and Saul Valdez; and her father-in-law, Jesus L. Martinez.
