Patricia (Pat) Ann Martinez, 86, of Ventura, CA, passed away suddenly on December 20, 2024, in Ventura, CA. Pat was born in St. Joseph, Missouri to Gertrude and William Kendzora on October 3, 1938. She went to high school at St Anges High School in Los Angeles, CA, and graduated in 1956. She went to nursing school and took classes at Ventura College. Pat worked as the records clerk at Buena High School for 25 years. She helped found what is now VESPA, the Classified Employees Union for the Ventura Unified School District, and worked as the union secretary and on the negotiations team for many years. She enjoyed taking care of her family, including 6 grandsons. She also enjoyed keeping track of her NBA teams, watching PGA golf, and following current events and politics.
Pat is survived by her husband Ralph Martinez, Ventura, son Daniel Martinez, and daughter-in-law Laura Gutierrez, sons (Andres and Joaquin Martinez) of Houston, TX, daughter, Denise Martinez of San Luis Obispo, and daughter, Thérèse Martinez Palmisano and son-in-law: John Palmisano (sons Evan, Aaron, Ryan, and William Palmisano) of Ventura, CA, sister, Kathryn Kendzora of Costa Mesa, CA, nephew Kyle Hamilton, (Michelle) of Chattanooga, TN, and her dearest friend, Mary Burns of San Luis Obispo, CA. She is preceded in death by her parents, Gertrude (Trudy) and William Kendzora.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Life Centers, 4601 Telephone Rd Suite 107 Ventura, CA 93003. The family wishes to thank Rev. Daniel O'Sullivan, Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home, and Shannon the ER nurse at CMH.
The rosary and funeral mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Ventura, CA on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 10:00 am. Arrangements are under the direction of Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 77 E. Main St., Ventura.