87, of Santa Barbara, California passed away on July 12, 2013 in Santa Barbara.
A memorial service in Santa Barbara will be held on Thursday, July 18, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapel, 15 E. Sola Street, Santa Barbara, CA.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 19, 2013, at San Salvador Mission, 4045 Center Street, Piru, California, with Deacon Manny Martinez of Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, officiating. Burial will follow at Piru Cemetery with a reception to follow afterwards. Lucy was born in Piru, California to Julia and Merced Martinez on November 9, 1925. She attended school in Piru, California, then worked for a short time with the Piru Citrus Association. In 1950, she moved to Santa Barbara and began a career in electronics. She worked at Jefferson Electronics for two years, and then began a 28 year career at Raytheon Electronics. She was one of the first female foremen at Raytheon eventually achieving a high level security clearance, working as a trouble shooter where they needed her. She was a no nonsense gal when it came to her job, but she was filled with warmth and kindness when it came to her family and friends. She had a culinary sense that would compete with any of today’s top chefs and we all looked forward to her next kitchen creation. Not only is heaven getting an angel, but they will be feasting well!
Lucy is preceded in death by Julia Martinez (mother), Merced Martinez (father), Edward Martinez (brother), Jesus Martinez (brother), and Eleanor Martinez (sister-in-law).
She is survived by Sonia Villarreal (daughter) and Ken Nichols (son-in-law), Todd Kini (son), Manuel Martinez (brother), Carmen Miranda (sister), Viola Balbinot (niece), Richard Moreno (grandson), Justin Kini (grandson), Alexa Moreno (great granddaughter), Leilani Kini (great granddaughter) and a ton of nieces and nephews, whom she all loved.
Lucy’s family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to our wonderful family members who always help in a time of need, Dr. Thomas Beamer, the staff at Country Gardens, including Cecilia and Nestor DeMonteverde, Susan, Beth, Carlos, and the Santa Barbara Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice Care (Peggy). A special thank you to Gerry and Rose Miranda who were at the right place at the right time.
“Just like a rose after the rain…for every life that fades…something beautiful remains.”
