Herlinda Martinez

In Memory of Herlinda Galvan Martinez

December 16, 1931 - May 23, 2020

Herlinda Galvan Martinez (Chata) was born December 16th, 1931 to parents Ventura and Herlinda Martinez of San Bernardino.  She was named after her mother and she was the youngest child born to her parents.  Herlinda enjoyed visiting with family and friends in the comfort of her home.  Her home was always known as a warm place with an open door to have table talk that included childhood memories and always a warm mean just minutes in the making.  

Herlinda married Freddie Barron Martinez on September 16, 1947.  They lived at their 7th street home in San Bernardino their entire lives.  They raised four children; Mary Esther Escandon, Margaret Stevens, Charlie Martinez, and Lydia Rodriquez.  Their four children brought them seven grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.  Herlinda more commonly known as Chata was the mother of all mothers.  She took pride in raising her children, then taking care of her grandchildren, and children of family and friends.  She certainly knew how to give her motherly time to others.

Chata put everyone in front of herself.  She never leaned on anyone for anything but she gave what she could always.  This explains the kind of person she lived to be.  She loved her family and those near her.  She loved preparing family meals and was known for some favorite foods that the family still pride themselves in making.  She was a teacher to many in life as she had wisdom and life experience that everyone respected.  

Chata preceded in death by her father Ventura, mother Herlinda, all of her siblings and her son Charlie.  Chata's sister Esther Campa lives and will miss dearly her daily conversations with Chata sometimes 3-4 times a day.  They shared memories of their past.  With Herlinda never knowing her mother well enough to remember, Esther was her memory.

Chata will be forever missed as she was the rock, the pillar of the family in her home where anyone could come anytime and there she was.