Aurora Martinez

All who knew Aurora Martinez would agree that she was lively, spirited, and resilient. She was also kindhearted and generous - the sort of person who would do anything for anyone. As mothers go, Aurora’s children would say that she was second to none and that there was nothing like the lighthearted and heartfelt laughter they shared together. With the love of her life by her side for the majority of her life, she worked hard, played hard, and believed that anything worth doing was worth doing right. A woman who was truly beautiful on the inside and out, Aurora will be deeply missed.

The decade that became known as the Roaring Twenties was nestled in between the trials of war with WWI near the end of the previous decade and the Great Depression that squeezed nearly everything out of our great nation throughout the thirties. This was a decade of discovery and numerous advancements that forever altered the cultural fabric of our nation. We celebrated the successes of Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh while more people were able to afford luxuries like automobiles, radios, and washing machines. It was during this time of change that a young couple from Casis, Texas, were anxiously awaiting the birth of their first child. Their wait was over when Aurora made her grand entrance on May 25th of that year and was the oldest of ten children born to her parents, Bonifacio and Sinforosa (Sequra) Salinas. She was later joined in her family by her seven sisters, Irene, Eleanor, Eva, Mary, Esther, Margaret, and Joanne, and her two brothers, Francisco and Adam.

Aurora’s parents were hardworking field workers who followed where the produce harvest took them. She attended local schools, but only through the third grade as these were the years of the depression when children were often needed in the workforce. This was the case for Aurora, too, as she worked alongside her family in the fields. Much of the meal preparation also fell on her shoulders. Someone who always did things a bit unconventionally, Aurora loved to shoot guns, too.

Life was forever changed for Aurora when she met the young man with whom she would share the best years of her life. His name was Napoleon Martinez and they met as he drove the truck back and forth carrying workers to and from the fields. After falling in love, the couple became husband and wife in a civil service in Texas on July 4, 1942,, and they later had a more traditional service at a church in Detroit.

The newlyweds moved to Michigan in search of work and like her parents did, they followed the harvest throughout Michigan and Ohio. They eventually settled in Detroit when Napo was hired as a millwright by the Great Lakes Steel Company. Together they were thrilled to welcomed three daughters: Elodia, Erma, and Gloria, and two sons: Napoleon Jr., and David. The Martinez children were raised in the family home on the southeast side of Detroit in an area known as Delray. Aurora was an excellent mother who mastered the art of being able to laugh with her kids, especially her boys. She was determined when it came to her family as well and although there were not many people who stood up to Napoleon, Aurora didn’t back down when there was an issue she was passionate about.

In addition to keeping things running smoothly at home, Aurora held a variety of side jobs. Through the years she worked in a bakery, for Michigan Cleaners, and she also served as the nanny and cook for the owner of the Detroit Redwings hockey team. Aurora spent many years in the restaurant industry - first at Coney Island, then at La Tropical Restaurant, and she later opened her own restaurant called La Morena. At times Aurora also gave of her time through volunteer work.

When she had leisure time, Aurora had so many things that kept her busy. She spent regular time in prayer and would help those around her in any way. Aurora loved music, playing Bingo, and had a special place in her heart for animals. Aurora always enjoyed traveling whenever they had the chance and liked going back to Detroit and visiting the casinos.

After they retired, Aurora and Napo moved to Gilroy, California, to be closer to family. They remained there for 12 years during which time they were both challenged with health issues. From Gilroy they moved to Ovid, Michigan, where they again had family.

When Aurora Martinez was around, life was always so much fun as she knew what it meant to have a good time. Whether she was burning rubber in the family car, trying to win big at the casinos, or just enjoying time with her family and many friends, Aurora had that special something that we don’t see all that often. She was a financial wizard who never backed down from a challenge, and she could stretch a dollar like no other. Aurora treasured the relationships with her numerous friends and although she rarely shied away from speaking her mind, she never did so behind anyone’s back. With so much love to give, Aurora was a blessing in the lives of all those within her reach.

Aurora Martinez died on August 4, 2011. Aurora’s family includes her daughters, Elodia Keys, Erma (Aaron) Moreno, Gloria Castello; sons, Napoleon, Jr. (Liz) Martinez, David (Libby) Martinez; 18 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Irene Medina, Eleanor Soliz, Eva Mata, Mary Zamaripa, Esther Dasaldua, Margaret Kosinski, Joanne Palacio; and brothers, Francisco Salinas and Adam Salinas. Aurora was preceded in death by her parents and husband. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 9, 2011, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Ovid, with Fr. Raymond Urbanek presiding and burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday, 5-8 p.m. and Monday, 12-8 p.m. with rosaries being prayed at 7 p.m., at the Houghton Chapel of The Osgood Funeral Homes in Ovid. Memorial contributions will be made to a charity of her family’s choice. To learn more about Aurora and view her lifestory film, please visit her personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/72548.