MaryJane Navarrete Martinez

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MaryJane Navarrete Martinez

July 8, 1924 – July 28, 2017

To everything there is a season, a time for every matter under heaven; a time to be born; a time to die; a time to weep; a time to laugh; a time to cast away.

MaryJane Navarrete Martinez, born July 8, 1924, at the age of 93, was surrounded by much love as she passed away peacefully and acquired her wings as she entered the pearly gates on July 28, 2017.

MaryJane Navarrete was born July 8, 1924 to Maria A. Ayala and Jose Navarrete in Guanajuato, Mexico. As she attended school, she also worked to help support her family. As a young girl, she met a young boy who would eventually become her lifelong partner.

She married Sabino Martinez Oct. 26, 1940, and together they had six children. She is survived by one sister, Sarah Ayala of California; she leaves a legacy of loving memories with her six children: Mary Ann Herrera (Eli), Anthony, Teresa Salaz (Rubel), Robert and Linda Zimmer (Gary); she had 15 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many nephews, nieces and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Blas, Jim and AJ; her sisters, Mary and Angie; her husband, Sabino; her son, Vincent; and grandson Richard.

MaryJane drew her strength from her family by being with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. MaryJane was so excited when she became a U.S. citizen, allowing her to participate in the U.S. election voting process. She lit up when she voted for the first time.

She was also faced with challenges and obstacles throughout her life that included taking care of loved ones with illness and then also was faced with her own illness in her later years of life. Despite her challenges, her primary focus was the love and care of her family.

Her perseverance through adversity was a powerful lesson and it was her legacy to show her children to love and care for your family despite adversities or setbacks and to keep grounded to this most important aspect of life. She once wrote and shared this with one of her daughters that “A mother’s love is something no one can explain, it is made of deep devotion, sacrifice and pain; It is endless and unselfish and enduring no matter what and nothing can destroy it.”

A memorial service for her was held Aug. 5 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Memories of her may be shared at www.memorialutah.com

The family would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to all the staff of Mission at Hillside Rehabilitation Center for the care of MaryJane for the last two years.