Obituary
Martina Lugardo Rodriguez passed peacefully from this life to life eternal on October 25th, 2024, at the age of 86. Born on March 9th, 1938 in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, she was the cherished daughter of Bernabe Lugardo and Josefina Rodriguez Rivera. Martina’s family originated from Las Marias, where she spent her early years in an agricultural community before moving to New York City in 1952.
At just 14 years old, Martina and her family settled on 21st Street on the West side of Manhattan. There, amidst the bustling streets and vibrant Puerto Rican community, she met the love of her life, Gregorio Ojeda Lugo. They married in 1957, and together they built a beautiful life, raising four children instilling in them the values of hard work, resilience, and deep love for their family and heritage. Martina also had a son with Fidel Velez Sr, expanding her family with love and devotion.
Love for family and abiding spiritual faith, guided her throughout life. As a young wife and mother, she helped care not only for her children, but also for her and her husband’s siblings, becoming a pillar of strength and support for her family.
In New York City, Martina attended The High School of Fashion Industry leading to a career as a seamstress, later becoming a skilled pattern maker and self-employed curtain maker throughout her life living between New York and Puerto Rico.
At the age of 50, Martina’s commitment to learning and helping others led her to pursue a degree in Social Work at Boricua College in upper Manhattan. Her dedication to making a difference in her community reflected her generous spirit and deep-seated belief in the power of compassion.
Her warm and welcoming spirit were felt by all who knew her. She had a great sense of humor right up to her last breath, bringing laughter and joy to those around her, even in difficult times. She had a way of making everyone feel at home, especially with her delicious home-cooked meals and great conversations.
She is survived by her children and their spouses, who will forever cherish her memory: Lourdes E Ojeda-Bakk (David Bakk), Zenaida Prosper Ojeda (Freddy Prosper), Margie Ojeda, Orlando Ojeda (Claire Cowdrey Ojeda), and Fidel Velez Jr. (Christal Avila).
Martina was adored by her 7 grandchildren: Natasha, Freddy, Meilyn, Suani, Jamellah, David, and Catherine, each of whom she loved dearly and shared a special bond with.
She was a devoted great-grandmother to 20 and a beloved great-great-grandmother to 2, all of whom will carry forward her memory with pride and love.
Her legacy will live on in the lives she touched and the love she shared. Martina will be remembered for her strength, her gentle heart, her enduring devotion to her family, and her infectious sense of humor.
A memorial service will be held at Baldwin Brothers Funeral Society on November 8th, 2024 at 1:00pm.
Martina will be laid to rest besides Gregorio at Evergreen Cemetery in Jacksonville, Florida at a Graveside service to be held on Saturday, November 9th, 2024 at 1:00PM.
In lieu of Flowers, the family asks that donations be made to, ALHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION in honor of Martina’s generous compassionate spirit.
Service
11250 SW 93rd Ct. Rd. Ste. 300 Ocala, Florida 34481
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A week later, Zeny and I were married, and I took her with me to Germany. Recently, out of curiosity, I asked your son, who was six at the time, if he was sad when Zeny left. He said he couldn’t recall feeling any particular way, but he clearly remembered that you cried for days. I am so sorry for the pain I caused you in taking her away.
Thank you for raising such an incredible daughter, a wonderful wife, and an amazing mother. Your legacy lives on through us, with two grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. I already miss you so much. I love you, and I know that now, you are with God.
Until we meet again.
Great sense of humor always!
4 generations
You’ve always been such an important and stable person throughout my whole life. You’re the perfect example of how an Abuelita should be. You instilled the seed for eternal salvation in so many of us, and that is truly the biggest gift that anyone could have given us! I’m forever grateful for loving us so much to teach us about God’s eternal love. I would have never ever experienced anything even close without you planting that seed that has grown and grown down many generations. You were always like a second mother to us and always a safe person and place. I love you so much and am so happy that you were a part of all of my children’s lives as well. Te amo mucho!!! I bid my last bendicion from you.
You taught me Yeshua ! His name means Salvation! if you teach a child when he is young he shall not depart from it when he is old ..i remeber bible study with you ..i remember u loved me as your own daughter i will always be great full for showing me Salvation as a child ..i know you rest with our maker now ! Our bible studys changed the corse of my life in to a heavenly bound one and for this i will be for ever greatfull for showing me the light when i was young ..ill see you agin soon on the streets of gold ! Maranatha the spirit and the bride say come !
Thank you for always being kind and loving to me. You will be missed. May you rest in peace.
Love you,
Duane
Thank you for always being loving and kind to me. You will be missed. May you rest in peace.
Love,
Duane
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Although I didn’t know your mother personally, I had the privilege of working with Orlando and I know she must have been a wonderful person to have raised such a caring and dedicated individual. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. My thoughts are with all of you, and I hope you find peace and comfort in the cherished memories you shared with her.
Best Clemente Marte