Our beloved mother, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt, great aunt and great friend Catherine Louise Martinez has left us, joining past family and friends who welcome her with open arms.
She is survived by her long loved husband Jack, who cared for her every need, and held her in his caring arms till they parted, her daughter Laura, her granddaughter Ruby June, and her son-in-law Brian. Her brother Rick and her sister Carole. Nieces Sylvia, Kelly, Celene and great nephew Manuel. So many knew her as "Cathy". Her extended family and friends knew her as "Mom". We all feel the loss of one we loved so much.
Cathy was born in Columbus, Ohio. She was a good daughter and the best sister in the world. At a very young age, Cathy was struck by an infection of Hepatitis. She won her fight for survival, but was burdened by the fight with that demon and the damage it did. As vigor returned, and she no longer had to be carried about the house, she was free of those loving arms of her father and that freedom became a celebration. Cathy celebrated her life even knowing the damage was done. But she never forgot those loving arms caring for her.
The family moved to Santa Barbara when she was a teenager. She adopted well to sand, surf and sun where she finished high school. The next part of her life was here in Lompoc. Cathy liked horses, books, soap operas, and long haired musicians. Star Trek was her all-time favorite television series and she was a loyal Dallas Cowboy fan.
When Cathy became mother to Ben, her caring arms would provide for him. Cathy did everything she could to insure Ben had the same opportunities in life she did. She learned to sign and made sure he went to the best school possible. Later, her precious Laura came into her life, and it seemed to make her complete. Cathy was a wonderful mother to Ben and Laura. She was funny, kind, and courageous prepared to move forward no matter the circumstances.
She worked as assistant to Joanie Gray. She enjoyed going to work every morning saying she had the perfect job helping anybody who called with whatever their problem was. Cathy's true calling was helping young people. She sheltered many, providing food, beds and unlimited hugs, encouragement and direction. Although their lives took them in many different directions, they were a part of her extended family. Cathy was so happy to see how so many succeeded at being happy in life. She was joined by Jack and she felt complete. The two of them shared the little time that remained. Her health declining, she continued trying to help Ben to maintain his. Ruby June was her newest guiding light. Nothing can be said to describe the joy Cathy felt when she held Ruby Jane in her caring arms. The loss of Ben shocked us all. Reeling from our loss, we all failed to understand what it did. It broke his mother's heart and she never recovered from that battle with that demon. Cathy was greatly comforted by Laura, Brian and Ruby June. Her fears were forgotten, replaced by the joy of their love in her caring arms.
A celebration of life will be held on March 19, 2016 at Ryan Park, Lompoc from 11-3 pm.

Catherine,
No shadows or darkness or colors of gray can dim the memory of your life, gone astray. Blue skies, porcelain clouds and the suns shimmering ray reflect your brilliance, day after day