Amalia “Molly” Martinez, 76, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 1:13 P.M. Sunday February 6, 2022, at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka, IL. She was born April 15, 1945, in Mission, TX, the daughter of Jesus and Matilda (Garcia) Cantu. She married Arnold R. Martinez on August 17, 1972. He preceded her in death in 2011.
She is survived by four daughters, Jessica Martinez of Danville, IL, Jamie (Micah) Alwardt of Hoopeston, IL, Jackie (John) Bell of Watseka, IL, and Jerrica Molly Martinez (Ryan Saunders) of Bloomington, IL; one son, Orlando “Orlee” (Amy) Martinez of Rossville, IL; 8 sisters, Matilda (Gregorio) Ybarra of CA, Mary (Freddy) Sarinana of FL, Blanca Johnson (Darren Arceneaux) of GA, Irene (Tony) Tapia of TX, Florinda Hernandez of CA, Norma (Frederico) Hernandez of CA, Josie (Carlos) Batres of CA, and Elva Cantu of CA; one brother, Jesse (Colleen) Cantu of IL; 14 grandchildren, Acacia Martinez, Edgar Martinez, Ashanté Martinez, Delin Cotton, Jelicia Martinez, Alex Alwardt, Jeleaa Martinez, AJ Alwardt, Alyssa Alwardt, Amillya Martinez, Aryanna Martinez, David Bell, Abby Alwardt, and Aiden Bell; 8 great grandchildren, Malakai, DJ, Ayjah, Adelia, Kyrie, Christopher, Arrow, and Manolo; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; and one daughter, Normita Palacios.
Molly worked many jobs ranging from fieldwork, factory, secretarial, retail, home health care, and as a a homemaker caring for her family. She was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Hoopeston. She loved to cook, crochet, and spend time with her family.
A visitation will be held 10:00 A.M. – 11:45 A.M. Wednesday February 16, 2022, at Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral mass will follow the visitation and will begin at 12:00 P.M. Wednesday at St. Anthony Catholic Church 423 S. 3rd St. Hoopeston, IL, with Father Thomas Gibson officiating. Per her wishes, following the funeral mass, she will be cremated, and no burial will be held.
Memorials may be made to Iroquois Resident Home 200 E. Fairman Ave, Watseka, IL 60970.
Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com
