Helen Martinez

Helen Martinez, 89 of Waco, Texas passed away on Sunday, May 7, 2023, with loved ones at her side, Visitation will be 4:00- 6:00 PM Thursday, May 11, 2023, at OakCrest Funeral Home. The burial will be at 12:00 PM Friday, May 12, 2023, at Oakwood Cemetery.

Helen was born September 11, 1933 in Mart, Texas to Anita and Alex Hernandez. Helen had 5 siblings. She married Trino Martinez on May 7, 1955. They had three children, Elizabeth McGaugh, Rhonda Jimenez, and Rhonda Jimenez, and Trino M. Martinez.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Trino Martinez; parents, Anita and Alex Hernandez; sisters, Esther Bravo, Sarah Casarez, and Suzie Tovar; brothers, Abraham Hernandez and Abel Hernandez; grandson, John McGaugh.

Her survivors include her daughters, Liz McGaugh and husband, Rick, Rhonda Jimenez and husband, Danny; son, Trino Martinez; grandchildren, Justin, Ryan, Lacy, and Lindsey, along with 10 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Halcyon Hospice and Regent Care staff for providing excellent care during such a difficult time. The love you have shown for her is a precious gift in our lives for which we are extremely grateful.

-We remember our mother with gratitude as she was our guide and advisor, coach and cheerleader, and almost always our boss. Helen’s story begins in Mart, Texas where she was born to Anita and Alex Hernandez on September 11, 1933. She was one of six children and by most accounts had an independent stripe that quickly took her from the countryside of Waco, Texas to the heart of its Downtown.

Helen was in her 20s when she met the man who would become her husband at a dance. She was enjoying an ice cream cone that warm spring night when suddenly a handsome young man came from behind and ate it. That’s the story they both told.

Not long after, Helen married Trino Martinez in 1955. Liz, Rhonda, and Trine came soon after. Beautiful Helen and handsome Trino were married for 46 years until his passing. They worked hard, built a home together, and taught their children lessons that have lasted a lifetime. Some of them were tough. All of them were good. They had challenging times of their own. But made it to the end in good faith. Helen embraced her new independence and with her drive continued to push and challenge us. Her undying comment is, “What are you waiting for? Get out there and knock ‘em dead. No not dead. Down. Knock ’em down.” Always, kindness.

Helen’s memory survives with the families of Liz, Rhonda, and Trine, which includes 4 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Our mother passed on May 7, 2023, the 68th anniversary of when she married our father. We believe these two forces are reunited and will continue to guide us. As for our mother, she was our light. We could not have loved her more.