Tomasita V. Martinez

Tomasita Vecchio Martinez, a beloved figure in the community, passed away on August 10. 2025. Born on August 20, 1935, in Falfurrias, Texas, Tomasita was the epitome of a loving wife, mother, sister, and daughter. Her life was filled with remarkable accomplishments and cherished memories that will forever be treasured by those who knew her.

Tomasita was a family woman through and through, finding true joy in spending time with her loved ones. Tomasita made it a priority to create lasting memories with family. As a loving wife to Carmen, Tomasita exemplified what it means to be supportive and devoted. She possessed that rare gift of making others feel loved and beautiful with her kind words of “I love you” and “You're beautiful”. She was also known for being brutally honest and outspoken, which were the cornerstones of her character.

Outside of family life, Tomasita had a strong passion for serving her community. She was a board member of the Kingsville Housing Authority for over 35 years where she served as their resident commissioner. She dedicated herself to the betterment of low-income families by starting numerous programs to include a food bank and a resident patrol group that worked with KPD. Tomasita also cooked and provided lunches for the residents and went all out on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Everyone looked forward to her delicious meals. Tomasita leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire her children to give back to their community. Recently, Kingsville Housing Authority dedicated and named an event center that bears her name Tomasita Martinez Event Center.

Tomasita is preceded in death by her husband, Carmen H. Martinez, Sr.; daughters, Annabelle M. Garza and Rita M. Allen; and siblings, Elia Decker, Emma Moreno, Israel Pena, and Zaragoza Gutierrez.

Among those left to cherish her memory are her loving daughters, Viola M. Perez (Jesse) and Vickie Randolph (Randy); sons, Carmen Martinez, Jr. (Norma) and Danny Martinez (Hilda); sisters, Viola Rivas (Mario) and Irma Hernandez (David); granddaughter, Kathryn Villarreal (Dr. Willie) who they raised as their daughter; 23 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren; and numerous family and friends.

The family will receive condolences on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary; with a holy rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. A funeral liturgy will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Turcotte-Piper Chapel. A rite of committal and interment will follow at Resthaven Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff of Lonestar Ranch and Rehabilitation Center and a very special thanks to her provider Irma Sheriff.

Honoring Tomasita as pallbearers are Simon Perez, Courtney Martinez, Michael Garza Jr., John Galicia, Omar Martinez, Ayden Galindo, and Ryan Villarreal.

Honorary pallbearers are Cory Hinojosa and Annette Villalobos.