Gloria Roman Martinez, 67, residing in South Bend, passed away on Thursday, April 26, 2018 in her home. Gloria was born on February 23, 1951 in Harvey, IL to the late Francisco Roman and Cristina (Garcia) Roman and was raised in Chicago Heights, IL. Gloria moved to Berrien Springs as a young adult, where she raised her children and relocated to the South Bend area with her loved ones, where she resided for 20+ years.
Gloria cherished her role as a homemaker and enjoyed caring for her children and grandchildren. She was a volunteer with the PTA of Battel Elementary School for many years and was known by all as the “popcorn lady”. Gloria was a huge Michigan fan, something she passed down to each of her children.
She was also actively involved at the Lighthouse Apostolic Church in Bridgman, MI. Gloria loved to eat out at Enzos & Henry’s, which was her favorite restaurant, and enjoyed making piñatas for her grandchildren. She was a tough lover and loved all of her children and grandchildren beyond measure, standing by each of them till the end, right or wrong.
Gloria made sure anyone who walked into her home felt like they had become part of her family. In 1980, Gloria received Jesus into her life as an Apostolic Pentecostal and was baptized in Berrien Springs, MI and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Gloria married Juan Martinez, Jr. on August 27, 1979, with whom she raised six amazing children: Johnny Martinez III, father of: Jessica Blankenship mother of Analysia, RJ and Joshua; Gloria (Angel) Duarte, mother of Angel Jr., Amani, Romeo and Reyna; Joshua Martinez (deceased); Dakota Laskowski, mother of Haven; Levi Dillon; Braxton Dillon Diana (Scott) Grady, mother of: Scott Jr. (Kaleigh) Grady, father of Ezekial; Cody Grady; Marisa Grady Nino Martinez, father of: Elijah Gebhard, Angel Martinez, Ava Martinez, Madilynn Martinez, Ayden Martinez Christina Ann (Rob) Martin, mother of: Kayla Martin, Louie Martin, Jr., Alivia Martin, Ella Martin Enemencia May (Devin) Dietz, mother of: Mavin Dietz, Izaac Dietz, Leeland Dietz, Reylan Dietz Martino Jacob (Tara) Martinez, father of: Martino Martinez, Jr., Mia Martinez, Maycee Martinez, Maximillion Martinez, Marianna Martinez Gloria is also survived by her siblings: Alma Martinez, Rudy (Renee) Roman, Frank (Martha) Roman and Ricky (Alicia) Roman as well as a host of nieces and nephews, all dear to her.
Gloria was preceded in death by her brothers, Fabian Lara and Oscar Roman. Funeral services for Gloria will be held on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at 12:00 noon at Palmer Funeral Home – River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend. Friends may gather with the family for two hours prior to services on Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made Palmer Funeral Home to assist with funeral expenses. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
