Cecilia Martinez

Cecilia Yolanda "Yole" Martinez, 84, of Muskegon, passed away on January 6th, 2026.

Yole danced her way into the world on September 30, 1941. She was the daughter of Francisco and Maria Nicolasa Villanueva. She married Guadalupe "Marty" Martinez on November 22nd, 1963. Together they were blessed with 43 years of marriage, until his death in 2007.

To sum Yole's life up in a few paragraphs seems nearly impossible because while she was small in stature, she left a monumental impression on the world around her.

She started her career as a CNA, spent time as a truancy officer, and then chose to be the loving nanny to Logan and the Weiss family for many years to follow.

She crocheted, she knitted, and was a magician with a needle and thread. But there was nothing like seeing her sing and dance around the house as she prepared a beautiful meal for whoever showed up for dinner that day. She welcomed all. She loved so many, and if you were lucky enough to be one of the people she loved, then you'll know that she wasn't shy about making sure you were on the right path whether you wanted to hear it or not. When she wasn't hosting poolside family gatherings, she was traveling the world as much as she could.

Yole was a longtime parishioner at St. Jeans Catholic Church followed by St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Yole will be dearly missed.

SURVIVORS

Children: Guadalupe Martinez Jr., Carmella Martinez, Mark Matinez, Milagros Hogendyk, and John Frazier; Grandchildren: Franque (Jennifer) Martinez, Joseph Martinez, Marcelina Martinez, Jacob (Shea) Martinez, and Marisa (Mike) Ciokiewicz; Great-grandchildren: Julian, Koda, Serena, Ian, Seth, and Zoey; Brothers: Geno (Marsha) Villanueva, Timothy (Mary) Villanueva, Ruben Villanueva, Rocky Villanueva, and Virgil Villanueva; Sister: Clara Patricio; Sister-in-law: Tisha Villanueva, Ellen Villanueva, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Angel Baby Martinez, parents; Brothers: Julian, Christopher, Ron, Ben, Ceasar, and Victor; Sisters: Kay, Carol, Susan, and Christina; Brother-in-law: David Patricio, and Nephew: Phillip Martinez.

SERVICES
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 10:30 AM at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception 239 W Clay Ave Muskegon, MI 49440. Visitation will take place 1 hour prior to the start of the Mass at church. A luncheon will follow Mass at church.