Alicia I Martinez

December 1933 – May 2017

Our precious Mother passed into eternal life joining our beloved father in paradise. Born Alicia Buelna Ibarra in Empalme, Sonora to Julian and Maria in December 1933. On a visit to Tucson in 1951, mom met dad at a dance and their love story began. Louis and Alicia married in December 1951 and celebrated more than 48 years of marriage before dad’s passing in January 2000. Alicia and Louis filled their small home with eight children: Sylvia (Perez), Irma (Espinoza), Isabel (Jesus Meza), Luis (Margie Martinez), Carmen (Henry Inocencio), Ana Maria, Delia Martinez, and Benjamin Martinez. Our family has grown to include 30 grand children and 12 great-grand children.

Mom and Dad somehow managed to feed a family of 10, keep us clothed and a roof over our heads. As children we didn’t understand the struggles of providing for such a large family because our parents made sure that we never went hungry. We didn’t have material things, but we were a happy bunch.

With so many children, mom had to be resilient and taught herself how to sew, embroider, knit and crochet. Mom was a wonderful cook too and made us everything from sopitas and tamales to donuts and potato chips – without a recipe, ever.

When the eldest children started attending school, Mom took advantage of the opportunity and learned how to speak, read and write English. One of Mom’s biggest accomplishments was becoming a U.S. Citizen in 1997. Mom wasn’t just beautiful, she also had brain power!

Mom’s final months were spent in and out of the hospital, but she never gave up hope and her faith never wavered. Mom missed Dad every single day for more than 17 years, so in our sadness we also have joy knowing that they are together again. Not too long ago, Mom shared a dream saying that Dad told her that he had everything prepared for her, that it was time to come home. So their love story continues for eternity and we are left with a lifetime of memories filled with happiness and love.

Thank you Mom for loving us unconditionally and for all the sacrifices you made for us. You will live in our hearts forever and be missed every day.

Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria Del Angel South Lawn, Tucson, AZ.