Thelma Ann Martinez Gomez

Thelma Ann Martinez Gomez was born January 13, 1934, in Laredo, Texas. She passed away after a long illness, exactly 90 years later, in her own bed, attended by her loving family.

Thelma, a reserved young beauty, was raised in her paternal grandparents’ home. Her mother had died before her first birthday. She attended St. Augustine School for twelve years until graduation in 1952. Thelma married handsome Manuel Gomez, whom she met at San Augustine School, when he returned from the Korean War. Thelma was a homemaker and raised seven children, and for a time, her first grandson Louie. She was known for devotion to her family and faith, and cookery of delicious, authentic Mexican and American meals. Her enchiladas, made from scratch were a specialty. Her love of animals, and for her many pets, were personal trademarks.

Her care for animals, especially pets, was passed onto her children.  One fond memory is of her finding a horned toad and, letting her young children pet it, before releasing it unharmed. The seeds of this lesson remained. And, can be seen in her grandchildren.

Thelma was also the proud keeper of the Martinez’ family’s Spanish and Mexican colonial history. Her Martinez family were among the founders of the town of Revilla, also known as Old Guerrero, Mexico. For their efforts the family received Spanish land grants from the Viceroy in the 1770’s. Most of these ranches were on the “Texas” side of the Rio Grande. She loved going to La Duquesa, her family ranch.

On her mother’s Chapa side, she was a direct descendant of Juan Bautista Chapa, now acknowledged as the historian who wrote about the1689 Spanish expedition or Entrada that discovered the site of the ill fated Lasalle expedition. Chapa had accompanied the Entrada and wrote of the indigenous peoples, vegetation and animals they encountered.

Mrs. Gomez was preceded in death by her loving husband, Manuel Chavez Gomez, and beloved daughter, Martha Elizabeth Gomez. Her mother, Victoria Chapa Vela de Martinez predeceased her in 1934.

Mrs. Gomez was preceded in death by her father, Ramiro Sanchez Martinez and his wife, Laudelina F. Martinez; her stepbrother, Ramiro Martinez and sister, Mrs. Judith Martinez Resendez, and her most beloved grandchildren, Ryan Sparrow and Nicole Gomez.  Mrs. Gomez was also preceded by two of the most important persons in her childhood and most of her life, her aunts, Ninfa and Dolores Martinez.

Mrs. Gomez is survived by her children; Lydia Galvan, Cookie (Michael) Sparrow, Thelma (Luis) Casso, Sylvia (Cole) Widdowson, Patricia (Ricky) Rodriguez, Manuel (Clarissa) Gomez, and her beloved grandson, Dr. Luis (Lizzy) Casso-Gomez. Also remaining to mourn her passing are her grandchildren: Joey Galvan, Michael Sparrow, Lauren Gomez, Stefan (Elvita) Casso, Sophia Casso, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Stephanie (Didier) Strijdonk, Audrey (Carlos) Tambunga, Rick Rodriguez, Alexandra Widdowson, and Victoria Widdowson. And, her two great grandchildren.

She is also survived by her stepsister, Sylvia Martinez Bird and stepbrother, Juan (Roberta) Martinez. Consuelo Gómez Pérez, her sister- in-law, also survives Mrs. Gomez.

The family wish to thank her constant companion and patient caregiver, Domi Ortiz. We appreciate the many years that you cared for our mother so she could remain in her own home.

Pallbearers will be Michael Sparrow, Stefan Casso, Joey Galvan, and Rick Anthony Rodriguez.

The family will be receiving condolences on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, in the Angelus Chapel at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services from 8:30 am to 10:30 am. Funeral procession will follow to St. Patrick Catholic Church. Funeral mass will begin at 11:00 am. Interment will follow immediately at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests making a donation to the Laredo Animal Protective Society c/o Thelma Gomez  2500 Gonzalez St. Laredo, Texas 78040.

Funeral arrangements are by Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr., Laredo, Texas 78041 (956) 723-3611. For your convenience, you may leave your condolences to the family online at www.freddickey.com