Evangeline Martinez

Evangeline Martinez, 96, of La Mirada, California, entered into eternal rest on Monday, January 13, 2025, at her home. Born on March 4, 1928, to Miguel and Rosa (De La Torre) Zapata, Evangeline grew up in Los Angeles surrounded by her loving family, including her 5 sisters—Eleanor, Lupe, Rosemarie, Martha, and Molly—and 2 brothers, Mike and Baby Richard. Her childhood was filled with the warmth of family gatherings alive with music, food, and laughter.

Evangeline experienced profound loss at a young age, losing her baby brother Richard to pneumonia and later, her father to tuberculosis in 1938, while still in elementary school. Despite this adversity, she found solace through music, joining St. Isabel’s Church choir and acting in church/school plays while attending Roosevelt HS.

After graduating, Evangeline began her 25-year career at Pacific Bell Telephone Co. as an Information Operator, working alongside her elder sister, Eleanor. Her mother would dial the operator line just to hear Evangeline’s voice announce, “At the tone, the time will be…” and then would say “thank you” in English, so Evangeline would recognize her voice. At Pacific Bell, she built lifelong friendships, sang with the company chorus, The Bell Tones,and participated in a bowling league. She later continued her love of singing with the choir at St. Peter’s Church.

Evangeline met her soulmate, Alfred Martinez, through the thoughtful matchmaking of her sister Lupe. Their love story blossomed, and they were married on April 23, 1960, at St. Marianne Church, where their faith and family traditions flourished. Together, they raised three children—Alfred, Rosemarie, and Rebecca—and instilled in them enduring values of faith, love, and community. Family life was enriched by traditions such as hosting Thanksgiving celebrations, caroling at convalescent homes, and traveling with their close-knit group of friends, affectionately known as “The Gang.”

After Alfred’s passing in 1979, Evangeline displayed remarkable strength, raising two teenage daughters while reentering the workforce as an Administrative Assistant at Northrop Corporation, where she worked for five years to secure her pension. She remained deeply involved in her community, teaching English as a second language in Santa Fe Springs, attending exercise classes in La Mirada, and supporting the La Mirada Performing Arts Center as season ticket holders with her loving sister Martha Guerrero.

Evangeline’s love for music was a lifelong passion. She sang with St. Marianne’s Mexican Choir and achieved a personal milestone by performing Faure’s Requiem at Carnegie Hall on June 29, 2003, alongside her lifelong family friends Marie Leanos and Marie’s son Louie.

Evangeline’s impact on her family was profound. She adored her grandchildren, Danielle, Garrett, Jacquelyn, and Julia, and eagerly anticipated the arrival of her first great-grandchild, Sage Evangeline. Though she didn’t meet Sage in person, we know she will be watching over her namesake from above, alongside grandson Michael Scott Bradbury.

In her later years, Evangeline led a vibrant life filled with meaningful routines—starting her days with early breakfasts, watching Catholic Mass on EWTN, exercising with light weights, praying the Rosary, and playing her family’s heirloom piano. She never missed an opportunity to celebrate and appreciate loved ones, thoughtfully remembering birthdays and anniversaries with cards and calls.

Evangeline was a beacon of faith, grace, and warmth. She found joy in simple acts, from serenading loved ones with "Las Mañanitas", to welcoming guests with her characteristic hospitality. Her devotion to her faith and family remained unwavering until her final days, when she continued to express gratitude and love to those around her. She was always present offering a listening ear and making everyone feel special. These little acts of love were expressed by more than 70 loved ones that rushed to visit her. Even then, she still thought of others, offering food or “a little something” during their visit.

She is survived by her children, Alfred, Rosemarie, and Rebecca; her grandchildren, Danielle, Garrett, Jacquelyn, and Julia; and now her great-granddaughter, Sage Evangeline. She will also be missed by many adoring nieces, nephews, extended family members, and cherished friends.

Evangeline was the last of her generation and leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and generosity. She is now reunited with her beloved parents, her loving husband Alfred, and her precious grandson Michael Scott. Gathering again with all of her siblings, her in-laws, nephews, nieces and dearest friends must have been sheer heavenly joy!

Family has requested that in lieu of flowers, please donate to support the fire victims at:

https://lacatholics.org/california-fires/

The family is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Memorial Service Evangeline Martinez 

Time: Feb 5, 2025 09:30 Pacific Time (US and Canada)

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