Obituary
Born in Puerto Rico in 1927 in the mountain town of Gurabo. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Frank Garced-Martinez, her daughter Luci Baez, four brothers and two sisters. She leaves behind a loving family comprised her older son, Jose Landrau-Martinez, daughter Ela Martinez Lugo, Nilsa R. Clarke, grandchildren; Joy, Frances, Irene, Joey and Annette; great-grandchildren Luis Enrique, Luis Angel, Bryan Ander, and Little Claire; nieces, nephews and cousins who, while mourning her passing, are celebrating her life. Father and baby daughter moved with his family to the coast where she grew up in a very large extended family. She graduated High School and soon married and had a son. Later she relocated to New York and held varied jobs, including a Pinkerton Security Agent, a stint at the Chunky Chocolate, factory which still exists today, various other jobs culminating in ownership of a delicatessen in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY to support her children. She was a single mother working hard to keep her family afloat. Years later, she relocated back to Puerto Rico when her daughter, Ela, entered college. She was motivated to start nursing school to fulfill her life-long dream of becoming a nurse. She worked many years as an emergency room nurse in the triage area and was promoted to instructor of the incoming intern doctors. She was offered a full-time scholarship to medical school by the medical center, Emergency Division. Unfortunately, she was unable to accept that offer as her youngest child was ill and she retired from nursing to care for him until his death. Her work ethic and her personality garnered her friends amongst her colleagues and neighbors at home. She was always ready to assist the elderly, children in need and her neighbors. After the death of her son, she relocated to Florida with her daughter, Ela, where she remained until her passing. She made many friends and became known for her sweet disposition. She and her daughter participated in her daughter’s professional conferences and eagerly visited churches where they were welcomed. This strong, compassionate woman passed to a better life on March 8, 2017, the International Strong Women’s Day: A most appropriate day to mark the story of her life.
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