Minerva Martinez

Minerva Martinez (AKA “Minnie”) Died in Baltimore, September 20, 2022. She was 89.

Minerva was born October 29,1932 in Cabaiguan, Las villas Cuba. She fled Cuba and came to Baltimore at age 26 with her beloved husband Avilio and two young daughters Diana (Boyd) and Dalia (Ebright). Later she had a third daughter named Doris (Powell) born in Baltimore. Minnie lived most of her life with her family in her home in Glen Burnie, a place she dearly loved.

Minerva was the daughter of Juan De Dios Martinez and Caridad Valdez-Rodriguez of Cabaiguan, Cuba

She was the eldest of 4 children. Her siblings were Marcelina, Pedro, and Ivan. She loved her husband Avilio and her three daughters, “Diana, Dalia y Doris” very much. She especially Loved her 3 Grandchildren Lauren, Hunter, and David and would often say “I would do anything” for them.

Fearing the ravages of Communism, Minerva fled Castro’s Cuba with her family in 1958 to start a new life in the US. She left behind everything she knew including a thriving Ship Chandler’s business she owned with husband Avilio. Minerva and Avilio were very proud to have become legal American US Citizens. She and her husband Avilio were even responsible for getting the remaining entirety of the Martinez extended family out of Communist Cuba whom also all became legal US Citizens.

Minerva taught herself English by reading her daughter’s schoolbooks. She never forgot her native language, her Cuban roots and especially Cuban music-- which she loved dearly. She raised her 3 children in a bilingual home and still kept many of the wonderful Cuban traditions.. Minerva loved family gatherings and parties and never missed an opportunity to enjoy her home full of family, friends and delicious Cuban food.

Minerva was also a very mystical and spiritual woman. She was hard working and persevering. She achieved her BS in Education from University of Maryland She taught Home Economics until she retired. Her students all loved her dearly. Minerva was a also master seamstress graduating from “La Rocha Method” sewing school in Cuba. Prior to becoming a teacher in the US, She made custom clothing for clients in Baltimore. Minerva even custom made the elaborate and beautiful wedding dresses for all three of her daughters.

Minerva’s life was and epic adventure full of ups and downs. She most certainly lived in interesting times and she will be dearly missed by those who loved her.

While we will miss her presence, We celebrate her life and it is our honor to be members of her family and friends.

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