A few centuries ago a diminutive Carmelite named St. John of the Cross made a lasting statement that serves to direct the purpose and goal of our lives. He said, “In the evening of life, we shall be judged on love alone.”
God is love. Martina Betancourt Espericueta, born on March 26, 1926 and born into eternal life on September 20, 2015 became love.
As she generously wore out numerous rosary beads, in hearty intercession for her children, their spouses, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many, many friends, her prayers became the basis of an exemplary life of service. She truly spent herself on behalf of those God entrusted to her motherly care and with each passing month and year became a credible witness of a soul transformed in love – to love.
While Martina did not receive the privilege of an education, or ever venture into the world of paid employment, her God-given personal talents became priceless and desirable traits in benefit of those she loves. There are but three important things that matter, says St. Paul to the Corinthians, Faith, Hope and Love – and the greatest and only lasting one of them is Love.
How do you measure the value of love? Martina’s love knew no bounds and its effect on all of us who have experienced it is even more than we presently realize.
Thank you Mama, Nana, Tia, Martina for loving us. Remember us always in heaven until we meet again in an eternal embrace in our Lord. Oh, and tell Papa/Tata we miss him, love him and that we are happy he has his vieja with him again.
Martina B. Espericueta joined her beloved husband Julio in heaven on September 20, 2015. She is survived by her children Fernando (Christine), Sylvia (Eddie), Raúl (Mairin), Rosita, Margarita (Ed), Martha, Sal (Martha), Manuel (China+), Mario (Elaine), Tino. 20 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 PM, Thursday, September 24, 2015 and a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM, Friday, September 25, 2015 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 320 N. 20th Drive, Phoenix.
k'Atri
I am truly sorry for your loss. Much love and light.
k’Atri
Chuck and Natalie Lazarr
So sorry for your loss – she was a truly amazing woman and we are privileged to have met her. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Mike and Linda Fezekas
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful women whose life is an example for us all. Our sincere condolences to her family.
Gena McGowan
A gorgeous tribute to a life well lived. My deepest sympathy to the entire family. You are in my heart, love, Gena
mary malone
I have know idea what you must be going through in losing what I think is the single most important compass in my life. I know your mom was that to you, too, and with this loss comes so many layers of heartache. Please know my heart is open to giving you anything you might need during this time of incredible loss.
Stan & Annmarie Labuda
Thinking of all of you during this time of great sadness.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Stan & Annmarie Labuda
Javier Martinez
Les expresamos nuestras mas sentidas condolencias por el reciente fallecimiento de su amada madre. Deseamos que su alma descanse en paz. Que los hermosos recuerdos de ella de vida aqui en la tierra sean una fortaleza y Dios les ayude a soportar su ausencia. Dios los bendice, Javier y Lupe Martinez y familia
Gloria Jurado Abril
My deepest sympathy to the family for your loss. May she rest in peace. God Bless each of you ( Maggie my deepest condolences to you, Javier and Melissa) Lean on your faith and God at this time).
Benny and Becky Ayala
Our condolences to all the family. May peace and love surround you during this difficult time.
Blanca Turner/Francisca Gutierrez (Panchita)
Sincere condolences from the Gutierrez Family. May the loving memories of Martina comfort you and keep you in this time of distress and always She truly was a source of encouragement and a faithful friend to our mother, Panchita. John 5: 28, 29 is a scripture we keep close in mind when we lose a loved one as it refers to the time we will see our loved ones again in perfect health and under perfect conditions. Our wish is to share it with you hoping to ease a bit of your pain somewhat. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Nick Brock
I was saddened to hear of Nana’s passing. What a loving, welcoming woman who made me feel like part of the family when I couldn’t make it home for the holidays…and any other time I stopped by with Javier. You are in my thoughts! Much Love, Nick
Vestula T. Turman
I was saddened to read about Senora Espericueta’s passing from this life. It has been many many years since I last saw her, but my memory of her is very sweet. I saw her as an extraordinary woman who kept a beautiful home and nurtured beautiful children and grandchildren. May she rest in peace and may you, her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren grip, tightly, the legacy that she left and never let go of it.
Blanca Turner/Francisca Gutierrez Family
Although we didn’t get to see Martina often, we shared wonderful memories with her and of her and the family that date back to the 1960s. We will continue to remember her as the truly compassionate, giving and loving person that she always proved to be.
Our sincere condolences to the family for such a great loss. May the God of all comfort keep you in this time of great sorrow (2 Cor. 1:3).
Valentine and Frances Hernandez
Sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Maria Armas
Mi mas sentido pesame Rosita para usted y su familia una gran perdida pero ella esta gozando esa vida eterna que ella fue construyendo dia a dia atravez del amor y vida ejemplar que ella tuvo ,parten nuestros seres queridos pero no se van del todo porque los momentos compartidos con cada uno de los que amaron son los que estaran presentes en nuestro corazon dia a dia .Que Nuestro Padre Dios los abraze ,les de la fortaleza y consuelo en todo momento.
Maria. Armas
Delfina Olivarez
I am sorry for your loss.
May God bless and keep the Espericueta family now and forever!
Love and Prayers,
Delfina Olivarez
Ernie Lauro
May God comfort you, during this time of sorrow. Keeping your family in my prayers.
Cindy Amos
I am so very sorry at the loss of your beautiful mother. I pray that our Precious Lord comfort you through the consolation of the Holy Spirit and in the fact that she is in glory with our Lord. God bless you.
Lorraine Whiteman
Sorry for your loss and may happy memories bring you comfort at this time. Will keep you in my prayers.
Teri Castellano
Our deepest condolences. May God continue to bless each one of you. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Susan Steele Edwards
Thank you for this warm and moving tribute. My lasting memories of “Mama Espericueta” are of her bright smile, and her constant love and service to anyone who came into her home. She is an example to me, as a mother, of living the type of life that prompts one’s children to “rise up and call her blessed.” I know God will be faithful to comfort you, family, and fill your hearts with a deep gratitude that she was such a central part of your life.
Joel and Bertha Simoneau
Our condolences to your beautiful family on this temporary separation. May the Peace of Our Lord surround you during this difficult time. Descanse en Paz Martina.