Edwarda L. Martinez, 91, of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, passed away Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at her home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 9, 2024, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Scottsbluff with Fr. Joseph Thambi as celebrant. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery near Scottsbluff. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, February 8, 2024, at Reverence Funeral Parlor in Scottsbluff. The Rosary will be recited beginning at 7 p.m. The services will be live-streamed and recorded to Edwarda’s obituary page viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.
Edwarda was born October 13, 1932, to Serapio and Amalia (Puentes) Lozoya. She grew up in the Mitchell Valley area, attending many rural schools until the sixth grade. Edwarda then had to quit school and begin working with her other siblings to help their parents make ends meet. Her father passed while she was very young, leaving the older kids to help take care of the family. She later worked at the local potato cellars for a while before spending almost thirty years at Midwec, also known as Charles Industries.
Edwarda met and married John G. Martinez, the love of her life. She spent her entire adult life with John and continued to love him deeply even after his passing nearly 25 years ago. They had no children of their own, but they raised several foster children. A few stayed in contact with Edwarda, and in addition she was blessed with foster grandchildren. Edwarda also acted as “Mom” for many nephews and nieces along the way.
She was a devoted Christian, attending Our Lady of Guadalupe Church for many years.
Her presence among our family will be missed. Edwarda’s ability to see the big picture and figure out “how to do life” as she called it, was how she kept things in perspective for us. Her large heart and smile will be greatly missed as well. We love her and will always carry her in our hearts. She left permanent marks in everyone’s heart that she touched.
Survivors include her two sisters, Martina and Abundia; many nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, and grandkids who will forever have her in their hearts; and her beloved fur-baby, Chiweenie.