Obituary of Carmen Lydia Martinez

On August 16th, 2017 Carmen Lydia Martinez went to be with the lord. She was born August 19th 1957 in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. She grew up in New York before moving to Plainfield, NJ where she lived for over 25 years ago.

Carmen was more than a homemaker, she was a loving, merciful, always forgiving, and compassionate woman as well as a wonderful mother. She was very devoted to her faith. She was a member of the Christian Fellowship Gospel Church in Plainfield. In her recent years, she would attend Faith Fellowship in Sayreville, NJ with her son, Eric and his family from time to time. She had an amazing gift from the Lord, that gift was the ability to add joy to the lives of anyone she met. She also liked to joke around with everyone, a trait her sons inherited.

Carmen had many interests. She enjoyed watching movies and wrestling. Speaking with her brother, Angel, on an almost daily basis was something else she liked doing. She enjoyed listening to Gospel music. But most of all she cherished spending time with her family. She also considered her sons’ friends like her own children. Carmen was a godmother to her two nieces, Taheli and Ariellee Altreche, of whom she was present for their births. She often spent time caring for them as they were growing up; when a babysitter was needed she was there, even until recently she often spent time babysitting her grandchildren as well.

She is survived by her sons, Eric and Angel Martinez; her mother Bienvenida Cruz; her brothers, Angel and Carlos Altreche; her sister in-laws Gladys and Maria; her daughter-in-law (Eric’s wife), Rachael Kuria-Martinez; her two grandchildren, Jasmine Lydia and Ethan Kuria Martinez; her mentioned nieces; two nephews, Tito and Carlos Jr; and ex-husband, Dionisio Martinez.

Viewing will be held on Saturday, August 19th from 4 to 7 pm at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung followed by a 7pm funeral service.  Cremation is private.