Monica Martinez

Monica will be very much missed, and all will remember her beautiful spirit, her compassion and kindness to others. Those who knew Monica even just a little lost a shining light in their lives.

Monica Martinez (Jaramillo) was a beloved daughter, aunt, sister, cousin and lifelong friend who left this world unexpectedly, on August 14, 2019 in her home. Monica was born in San Antonio Texas. She moved to Las Vegas New Mexico and was raised with seven siblings four sisters and three brothers. She loved listening to music and that is how she got through her days when she was young. She graduated from Las Vegas High School and then joined the Army. She left the Army and traveled to New Jersey where she lived with her sister Maria. They later moved to Baltimore where Monica found her place and set her roots down. It is there she met her lifelong friends. Monica was a true friend to her friends- ready and willing at a moment’s notice to endure a long drive, or a very long conversation for the sake of friendship. In her twenties Monica found her passion working with individuals with disabilities and mental health diagnosis. She worked at several companies, searching for the one company she felt would be the best fit. Monica continued to work in the field for over 30 years. She also went to school for computer programing. She was able to land a part-time job entering data for Mid-Atlantic Human Service, while continuing to work as a direct care staff with individuals. Monica became a Foster care provider for an individual with disabilities over 20 years and built a life- long friend and family member with Dennis, a person with varying abilities. Monica and Dennis were inseparable in life. So much so, they journeyed together to the next one.

Monica was a lover of the arts and was very creative, loved music and enjoyed reading and watching movies, Keanu Reeves and Gerard Butler being her favorite actors. Her favorite bands were Queen and Duran Duran she attended many concerts with friends. She was an artist at heart. She loved card making, scrapping booking and painting. Monica was funny and loved to joke and hangout with her friends. Although she was introverted and introspective, her presence and influence were immense to those who knew her. Monica was fiercely loyal to her friends and family. We will always remember her infectious smile, big brown eyes and very much caring personality. Her presence in our lives will be sorely missed.

When you think of Monica, celebrate the good memories you have of her. Remember that life is fragile and short and it should be lived to the fullest. Monica would want you to do that in her memory.

Monica was survived by her mother and her four sisters and three brothers and her nieces and nephews, aunts, and uncles, cousins, lifelong friends, her two cats and coworkers.