Obituary of Eleojilda Martinez

"You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. … I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble." Psalm 59:16-17

On July 26, 2023, Eleojilda Martinez, a beloved family matriarch, passed away at age 83. Born in Guayama, Puerto Rico, Eleojilda—or Lioji, as she was lovingly called by her siblings—came to Vineland, New Jersey in 1957, and there she raised nine children. She loved cooking, spending time with her family, and fashion—she was often rocking a pair of stylish shades—but most of all, she loved serving God. A true faithful servant of the Lord, she was a member of Vida de Fe Church for 61 years. Eleojilda was an amazing pillar of her family and community, and her door was always open to help others with anything, whether it was a place to stay, a hot meal, or even prayer. She loved Spanish worship music, and she will forever be remembered singing songs to the Lord.

Eleojilda was loving, courageous, and strong. She had a presence that was quiet but powerful, and you could feel how much she loved you in just one look. Her love for her family was unmatched, and she was happiest when surrounded by her loved ones, who came together to throw her a beautiful themed birthday party every year. She had such a generous spirit and was often remembered for her home that was always full of family and friends, with food cooking, music playing, and kids running through the yard and climbing on trees, just so happy to be at grandmom's house.

She was preceded in death by her mother Quintana Velez, father Henry Martinez, son Norberto Ramos, and brother Nicholas Martinez.

She is survived by her siblings, Dorcas Martinez, Maria Velez, Israel Martinez, Debora Martinez, Diana Martinez, Norami Martínez, Sylvia Martínez, Gilbert Martinez, Ricky Santiago, Sheena Santiago and William Santiago; her daughters and grandchildren, Camila Collazo (Yanitza Rivera), Demarie Cordero (Krista Rodriguez and Yamiel Cordero), Noemi De Jesus (Yalitza Jimenez and Victor Jimenez), Olga Harmon (Sonia Van Scoy and Michelle Harmon), Elvira Maldonado (Rebecca Trovarelli and Israel Maldonado), Rebecca Kapsis (Sylvia Kapsis and Vasilio Kapsis), Migdalia Mercado (Kimberly Alicea and Erick Alicea), Janet Lebron (Charles Herrera, Daniel Herrera, and Kaylee Lebron), and Martiza Ramos, Dorian Ramos and Shamer Ramos, children of Norbert Ramos; in addition to 29 great-grandchildren.

Our hearts are broken, but we are so grateful for everything she gave us, and will join together to celebrate the beautiful life she lived. The viewing will be held on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 from 10-11 a.m. at DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home 2755 S Lincoln Ave, Vineland, NJ 08361 with a funeral service at 11am. Burial immediately following at Siloam Cemetery 550 N Valley Ave, Vineland, NJ 08360. Family and friends are then invited to join a reception at 1001 Rogers Ave, Vineland, NJ 08361.