Martina Lugardo Rodriguez passed peacefully from this life to life eternal on October 25th, 2024, at the age of 86. Born on March 9th, 1938 in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, she was the cherished daughter of Bernabe Lugardo and Josefina Rodriguez Rivera. Martina's family originated from Las Marias, where she spent her early years in an agricultural community before moving to New York City in 1952.

At just 14 years old, Martina and her family settled on 21st Street on the West side of Manhattan. There, amidst the bustling streets and vibrant Puerto Rican community, she met the love of her life, Gregorio Ojeda Lugo. They married in 1957, and together they built a beautiful life, raising four children instilling in them the values of hard work, resilience, and deep love for their family and heritage. Martina also had a son with Fidel Velez Sr, expanding her family with love and devotion.

Love for family and abiding spiritual faith, guided her throughout life. As a young wife and mother, she helped care not only for her children, but also for her and her husband's siblings, becoming a pillar of strength and support for her family.

In New York City, Martina attended The High School of Fashion Industry leading to a career as a seamstress, later becoming a skilled pattern maker and self-employed curtain maker throughout her life living between New York and Puerto Rico.

At the age of 50, Martina's commitment to learning and helping others led her to pursue a degree in Social Work at Boricua College in upper Manhattan. Her dedication to making a difference in her community reflected her generous spirit and deep-seated belief in the power of compassion.

Her warm and welcoming spirit were felt by all who knew her. She had a great sense of humor right up to her last breath, bringing laughter and joy to those around her, even in difficult times. She had a way of making everyone feel at home, especially with her delicious home-cooked meals and great conversations.

She is survived by her children and their spouses, who will forever cherish her memory: Lourdes E Ojeda-Bakk (David Bakk), Zenaida Prosper Ojeda (Freddy Prosper), Margie Ojeda, Orlando Ojeda (Claire Cowdrey Ojeda), and Fidel Velez Jr. (Christal Avila).

Martina was adored by her 7 grandchildren: Natasha, Freddy, Meilyn, Suani, Jamellah, David, and Catherine, each of whom she loved dearly and shared a special bond with. She was a devoted great-grandmother to 20 and a beloved great-great-grandmother to 2, all of whom will carry forward her memory with pride and love.

Her legacy will live on in the lives she touched and the love she shared. Martina will be remembered for her strength, her gentle heart, her enduring devotion to her family, and her infectious sense of humor.

A memorial service will be held at Baldwin Brothers Funeral Society on November 8th, 2024 at 1:00pm.

Martina will be laid to rest besides Gregorio at Evergreen Cemetery in Jacksonville, Florida at a Graveside service to be held on Saturday, November 9th, 2024 at 1:00PM.

In lieu of Flowers, the family asks that donations be made to, ALHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION in honor of Martina's generous compassionate spirit.