Martha Beatriz Cortez

Martha Beatriz Cortez, our beloved mother, sister, and aunt, went to her rest, peacefully in the company of her family on May 18, 2019, in Plano, Texas. She had been battling heart disease and diabetes. Martha was born on June 22, 1954, in El Paso, Texas, but she spent her early years in Los Angeles, which she often remembered fondly. She eventually returned to El Paso, where she ran her own businesses while raising her children. She was a hard worker and she retired from American Airlines in 2018 after 15 years as an Injury on Duty Coordinator. Her final years were spent in Flower Mound, Texas, where she was often surrounded by an extended and loving family. Martha was an avid bingo player – she often won – and she loved the sound of slot machines, and Elvis singing “The Wonder of You.” What she loved best was being with her children and her nephews and nieces and later their children. She never hesitated to join in their games, crawling into tiny tents or playing Chutes and Ladders or Candyland. She allowed them to be themselves and was ready to join in any silliness. She became like an extra grandmother to the youngest. They returned her love completely and remembered her with fond nicknames. It wasn’t unusual to hear Martha referred to as Tia Mocosa or Aunt Tuti. She was there for graduations, birthday parties and baptisms. She frequently helped bring her brothers and sisters together and was often at the center of family celebrations. People who knew her best described her as loving, wonderful, kind and caring. She was strong in her faith and it sustained her in hard times. Martha was a light that shone brightly for her family, and it will shine on even now that she’s gone. Martha is survived by her children, Art Cortez, Amy Lewis, and Adam Cortez, her siblings, David Olivas, Sylvia Lewinski, Ray Olivas, and Barbara Montes, her mother, Lina Olivas, and her beloved nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Ramon G. Olivas. Martha was loved by many; she will be deeply missed. Services: 2:00 pm Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at St.Ann’s Catholic Church in Coppell, Texas. Reception to follow. Service: 10:00 am Saturday, June 29,2019 at St Raphael Catholic Church in El Paso, Texas