Michael Anthony Martinez's Obituary
Michael Anthony Martinez, beloved son of Dorothy and Earl Martinez, joined his parents and older brother, Earl, in the Heavenly Kingdom of God during the early morning hours of Wednesday, August 4, 2021 shortly after blowing goodnight kisses to his overnight caretakers and goodbye kisses to a lifetime of family, friends, housemates and supporters who accompanied him on his 60-year journey of joy, laughter, struggle, love, challenge and resiliency with remarkable grace and impact.
Today, Michael lives free of his earthly limitations without pain or encumbrance, both in the eternal paradise of heaven and in the hearts of his surviving siblings, Janice Calvert, Mark Martinez, and John Martinez; nieces, Heather Calvert, Melissa Liddy, and Megan Martinez; nephew, Brandon Martinez, and his extended family of numerous loving caretakers at Options, Inc. – La Casa, Hammond, LA, W.I. Moore, Violet, LA and medical doctors, nurses and healthcare providers who have embraced Michael with care, compassion, and kindness.
Those who knew him, loved him, and engaged him are left with an indelible imprint on their hearts and an enduring smile on their faces as, through it all, Michael persevered without demand or complaint – except, of course, for the occasional “Aw, C’mon!” appeal to those who experienced temporary lapses of Michael’s ever-reasonable expectations of timeliness and mission. Even when he was “sicky sick”, Michael, ever the gentleman, touched the hearts of countless nurses and medical support personnel with an introductory kiss of the hand in thankful acknowledgment of his recognition of their roles in providing him comfort and healing during what could be days, weeks, or even months of in-patient hospitalization.
When he wasn’t leaving fond first impressions to those who came into his life through fate or circumstance, Michael was deepening bonds with those already in his life meeting his daily needs and who nourished Michael with both physical sustenance and an environment of genuine love and devotion that was palpable and ever-present. Over the years, Michael laughed and danced his way through life and brought those around him along for the ride - from riverboat cruises, basketball and baseball games, field trips, and numerous birthday celebrations that included great friends, live jazz bands and even the celebration of his 50th birthday at Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World among the presence of kings, knights, and tians of lore.
Through it all, Michael lived a life that went far beyond his physical circumstance. Not only did he bring great joy and laughter to those who cared for him, but perhaps Michael’s greatest gift of all was in slowing down a hectic and tumultuous world and teaching the rest of us that when we take upon a selfless and giving heart in service to others in need, the return we receive, but don’t seek, in personal fulfillment and a greater sense of purpose brings with it the true rewards that come with being our brothers’ keeper - regardless of the nature of the bond.
Michael’s family would like to like to recognize and extend its appreciation to Michael’s departed parents who embraced the gift of a special needs child without reservation or hesitancy and the countless caretakers, housemates, medical providers and members of the support community who have loved and cared for Michael over the years and, in particular, Sylvia Bush, Carrie Mercke, Randall Waguespack, Shannon Trautman, Alexis Sterling, the Board of Directors and the entire administrative team at OPTIONS, Inc.; Bona Patel and Karen Amaya who have directed Michael’s nursing care; Ms. Pat who has nurtured Michael in OPTIONS’ daily enrichment program; Wenona Watson. Tarshia Joseph and Anetreca Dokes for their leadership, love and guidance during Michael’s La Casa group home residency; Desiree Kiter, Alexis Harris, Mavis Davis, Sharon Weary, Dorothy Burton, Marjorie Richardson, Sharon DeMarco, Adriana Olvera and the many others who have come before and will come in the future to give of themselves in service to Michael and others with special needs; and, of course, the friendship and brotherhood of his La Casa housemates, past and present, who welcomed Michael as one of their own.
Special acknowledgment and thanks is given to Helen (Trina) Miller, Sheila Ferguson, and Erica Brack for their loving care of Michael during his time at W.I. Moore and for their continued support of Michael and friendship with his brother, John, throughout the years.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 312 Lafitte St., Mandeville, LA 70448 on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 11:30 AM with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. COVID precautions are encouraged. Interment will take place at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, 3421 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans, LA on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at 10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Michael Martinez to be made to OPTIONS, Inc., 19362 W. Shelton Rd., Hammond, LA 70401, https://options4u.org/donate/. The family welcomes and invites the sharing of any personal tributes to Michael on the E.J. Fielding Funeral Home online Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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