Maria Martinez

Maria Martinez, age 86, of Paterson passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Maria was born and raised in Florida, Cuba and was the older of two daughters to Manuel and Ana Martinez.  In 1969, Maria, her husband Ramon R., her mother Ana, and her only son Ramon, immigrated to the United States during the final years of the Freedom Flights from Cuba.  In search of a better life and the “American Dream”, the family arrived in the United States and settled in Paterson.

Maria found work quickly at a semiconductor plant known as UPI located in Paterson and was employed as a Transmitter Tester. A few years later, her husband Ramon later started a travel agency/accounting services, also located in Paterson and later expanding to a second location in Passaic. Maria worked alongside her husband for nearly thirty years as a travel agent.  Following her husband Ramon’s passing; Maria found work again as a Travel Agent at RTN Travel Agency located in Passaic.  She held this position until her retirement several years ago.

Being a travel agent, it came as no surprise that Maria loved to travel.  She and her family treasured visiting exotic destinations such as Bermuda, Bahamas, and her homeland of Cuba.  Maria’s favorite place to visit was any destination that had a beach. Later in life, she met her second husband, Fidel Gonzales, and together they enjoyed cooking, traveling, and going to Atlantic City. Her love for her family was unwavering and was her greatest passion.  Nothing in the world meant more to Maria that providing for and spending time with her son Ramon and her grandchildren. She also loved spending time with her sister Sila. In her later years as she became ill her dear friend Carlos provided and took great care of her. Maria was a truly special person who touched the lives of many people and will be missed by her family and friends alike.

Maria is survived by her son Ramon Lopez and his wife Susan of Pompton Lakes, her sister Sila Suri and her husband Emilio of Paterson, three grandchildren; Gina Lopez and her partner Bob of Hoboken, Chris Lopez and his wife Kate of Ramsey, and Marissa Buklad and her husband Corey of Butler, and four great grandchildren; Emma, Ethan, Nora, and Mason.  She was predeceased by her late husband Fidel Gonzales, and by her four brothers; Antonio Martinez, Orlando Martinez, Jose Martinez, and Guillermo Martinez.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Maria’s name to Risen King Church.26 Manning Ave, Butler, NJ 07405.  https://www.risenkingchurch.com/