When our gorgeous Sandra Ann Martinez entered the gates of heaven on August 4, 2020, she was reunited with her incredible parents Alfred and Beatrice Lopez, her father-In-Law Jimmy Martinez, loving niece Tristian Cantu, her beautiful sister-in-law Tonya Martinez, grandparents Mike and Beatrice Hernandez, Celestino and Marianita Lopez, and Julio and Estella Martinez along with grandfathers Apolinar Ramirez and Jack Brumbaugh.
Sandy was born on January 4, 1969 in Baytown. She was joyfully welcomed into the Lopez home by her parents and siblings, Mary Ann, Lisa, Freddie and Albert Lopez. Sandy was the baby of the family and in high school, when she decided that she no longer wanted to be referred to as the baby, her siblings were not able to grant her wish, so until her final day, she was “Our Baby.”
She was a bubbly, loving, intelligent, and strong woman with a big heart, who never met a stranger. Her fierce love for her family and her strong will were the gifts she received from her father “Fred,” and her kind, gentle, loving soul was what she inherited from her mother “Mamie.”
In her younger years, Sandy grew up in a small house, but was rich in love. She was reared in the most joyful home having indoor picnics on rainy days, dancing with her parents in the living room, camping, playing with her cousins, using her bedposts as microphones and performing (dancing and singing) for her parents. She enjoyed going to the Kiddie Show at the Brunson Theater with her siblings, who made her go on stage during intermission to win them prizes!
Sandy was in Jr. High when she first fell in love with Kenny, although the two had known each other all their lives. It was not until high school at Ross S. Sterling that they became a loving couple. They graduated from high school in 1987 and married on August 5, 1989. The vast love she had for Kenny was demonstrated by their special nicknames for each other, giggles, hand holding, sweet glances at one another, and ability to communicate without ever moving their lips.
Kenny and Sandy had their first son, Landon on June 30, 1991. They completed their family in 1999 when they were blessed with Brian and Alexis. After they became part of the family, Sandy’s heart was full and her life was perfect. The amazing love she had for them was powerful beyond words; her children are what gave her the strength to power through each and every day. She adored each of them in their own unique way that only a mother could. As a family they had so much fun together, whether it be snuggling on the couch watching movies, sports events, sitting out on the beautiful back patio having dinner, or reading. She loved her many family vacations, always planning the next one. She enjoyed traveling immensely and loved her cruises; Sandy lit up any room she entered and her smile and laughter were absolutely contagious.
Sandy was a Marketing Manager for LBC Petro United before retirement. She traveled the world and was able to enjoy Europe on multiple occasions. She traveled to Canada, all over the United States and loved every minute of it.
Sandy is survived by her best friend and husband of 31 years, Kenneth James Martinez, her precious children Landon, Alexis and Brian Martinez and the love of Landon’s life, Elizabeth Castillo and her beloved Grandpuppy Ein.
She is also survived by her siblings, Mary Ann Hayes and husband Henry, Lisa Ibarra and husband Ricky, Alfred Lopez, Jr. and wife Leasa, Albert Lopez and wife Tammy all of Baytown. Their children and grandchildren all had a special bond with Aunt Sandy, she loved them all from the depths of her soul and will be painfully missed by them. She was the honorary Grandmother to all of her great nieces and nephews and loving Godmother to many of them too.
She also leaves behind her in-laws, Mark and Alice Brumbaugh of Spring and their sons Kevin, his wife DeeDee and children Michael, Morgan, Matthew, Madison and Matthew of Baytown, John, his wife Ann, and their children Pierce and Ava of Celina, TX, and Josh and his daughter Riley of Houston. After the tragic loss of her sister-in-love Tonya, Sandy became a second mother to Morgan and Matthew who she loved with all of her heart.
Sandy was loved by many people, her friends Christi Ray and Lynnea Green were her YaYa’s and Sandy loved them like sisters, as she did Teri Enna Blanco, an amazing lifelong friend and sister. She also held a very special place in her heart for Theresa “Resa” Kogut.
Her family would like to thank them along with her cousins Tracey and Randy Garcia, Tommy and Blanca Pantoja, Randy and Jacqueline Pantoja, Ronnie Pantoja and Melissa Orozco for the immense support they gave throughout her life and especially while she fought her battle with COVID-19.
Pall Bearers will be nephews: Christopher Ibarra, Michael Lopez, Matthew Lopez, Alfred Lopez III, Michael Martinez and Randy Gardner.
Honorary Pall Bearers will be: Rico Martinez, Talan Ramon, Tryston Ramon, Patrick Ibarra, Riley Martinez, Matthew Martinez, Corbin Citizen, Creed Citizen, Easton Sanchez, Pierce Brumbaugh, and Aiden Gardner.
Services are under the Direction of Earthman Baytown Funeral Home and will be held at Faith Family Church at 6500 North Main Street, Baytown, TX, on Thursday, August 13, 2020. Public visitation will begin at 10:00 am; Celebration of Life at 11:00 am. Internment immediately following at Memory Gardens.
Faith Family Church has informed us that with social distancing, 400 people may safely attend the service.
We ask that everyone wear a mask at viewing, service, and internment. We love you all and would like to wrap our arms around you for loving Sandy, but especially because we lost our precious love to COVID-19, we will unfortunately not be able to hug you. We hope you feel our love and gratitude!
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