іPuro corazón! Maybe you have used this expression to describe someone you know or have known.  Add Martha Urias to this category.

Martha "Marty" Leticia Quintero Urias was born on August 21, 1949 to Jerome and Estela C. Quintero, and was called to be with her Lord and Savior on July 24, 2023.

Marty graduated from St. Francis Academy in 1967. She studied abroad at the University of the Americas in Mexico City and ultimately received a bachelor's degree in science education with a minor in Spanish from St. Mary's University in 1972. Marty continued her studies at Texas A&M University in Kingsville where she received a Masters of Science degree in Educational Administration.

In 1972, Marty began her educational career at Edgewood ISD, teaching 7th and 8th grade Life and Earth sciences, and coaching girls' basketball and volleyball. While at Edgewood ISD, she was Vice President of the PTA and was recognized by the National PTA for her dedication to excellence. In 1992, Marty brought her talents to San Antonio ISD where she continued to teach 7th and 8th grade Life and Earth sciences. In addition to teaching, she served on the State of Texas textbook review panel. In 2001, Marty was honored by the Texas Commissioner of Education for her pivotal role in developing science curriculum and for advocating for exemplary education. In 2006, the State Board of Education awarded Marty the Distinguished Service Award for her endless contributions to the schools and students of San Antonio.

Outside the classroom, Marty was a proponent for Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering and launched this program at each school she taught. A true trailblazer for bringing STEM opportunities to her students; it was not uncommon for Marty to transport her students to and from science and engineering workshops and competitions in her personal suburban.

An educator to the end! Even though Marty officially retired after 34 years of service, she continued to tutor ESL students at Rhodes Elementary and Longfellow Middle School and was looking forward to continuing in this role during the upcoming school year. Marty leaves behind thousands of students whom she inspired, encouraged and supported inside and outside the classroom.

Marty was a dedicated daughter, mother, and "Nana," always the family protector and giver and a friend to anyone she met, welcoming countless friends into her circle. She was unpretentious, honest, kind-hearted, and generous. She cherished her two daughters and her son, and loved and spoiled her six grandchildren. She was the family matriarch and a faithful caregiver for her parents for the past ten years. Marty was in the process of helping prepare a celebration for family and friends to mark her mother's 100th birthday. Sadly, her gift of love and respect for her loving mother was not to be.

Marty's exuberance for enjoying life was celebrated in San Antonio, the city where she was born, where she grew up, received her education, where she worked, and raised her children.  To say she loved her San Antonio Spurs, would be an understatement. She's been a season ticket holder since 1999 with perfect attendance most years. She was also an enthusiastic member of the Baseline Bums, meeting players, and attending Spurs celebrations. Wearing an oversized Spurs cowboy hat, Spurs sunglasses, lighted pins and a homemade Spurs cape, Marty was once quoted by MySA, "Win or lose, they're good people and good players, and they're loyal to the community," Marty was the epitome of the other side of that loyalty.

Marty's other sports allegiance belonged to her beloved Texas A&M Aggies. A football season ticket holder since 2012, she treasured attending home and away football games and tailgating with her daughter Stephanie, her son-in-law Will, her granddaughters, Isabel and Sage, her parent-in-law Will Sr, and brother-in-law Tom. Always sporting solid maroon with her white 12th Man towel in hand, Marty's passion was palpable.

Nevertheless, her greatest happiness in life was supporting her children and later grandchildren. Marty was the ultimate soccer mom, band mom and grandma, and cheer grandma. In her 30s and 40s, you could find Marty on the soccer fields running drills and coaching her son Stephen's competitive youth soccer team. She was also a highly involved Taft High School Band Booster Club member while her daughter Stephanie, and son Stephen were in high school. Marty continued this love 30 years later as an active member of the Clark High School Band Booster Club for her granddaughter Jiavanna and grandson Joseph. As a devoted cheer grandma, Marty was always in the stands when her granddaughter Isabel cheered on the sidelines as a Westlake High School cheerleader and in the audience as her granddaughters, Isabel and Sage, performed in all-star state and national cheer competitions. Shockingly, this die-hard Aggie fan was even receptive to wearing burnt orange as she watched her granddaughter Isabel cheer for the Longhorns as a University of Texas cheerleader. Likewise, her youngest grandchildren, Emma and Ella, could trust in their Nana to be at Grandparent's Day, gymnastics class, dance recitals, and swim meets. No matter what activity or sport, it was guaranteed she would be decked out head to toe in the appropriate team colors and flare, and of course, cheering the loudest and proudest for her grandchildren.

A selfless giver, Marty's commitments included volunteering at the Tobin Center, the San Antonio Oasis, the San Antonio Food Bank, the Valero Alamo Bowl, and the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament when hosted in San Antonio.

A child of God, Marty was an ever-present member and Eucharist Minister of St. Anthony Claret Catholic Church. Marty is preceded in death by her father, Jerome Quintero. She is survived by her 100-year-old mother, Estela C. Quintero; her daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie Urias Rodriguez and Will Rodriguez; her son and daughter-in-law, Stephen George Urias and Nikki Urias; her daughter and partner, Selina Leticia Urias and Joe Moore; her grandchildren, Isabel and Sage Rodriguez, Emma and Ella Urias, and Jiavanna and Joseph Moore; and her former husband, George Urias. Also surviving Marty are her brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Priscilla Quintero; her sister and brother-in-law, Tina and Tom Alejandro, and numerous nieces and nephews.

FUNERAL SERVICES

The Rosary will be held on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at 7:00 pm at Angelus Funeral Home, 1119 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78215.

On Friday, August 11, 2023 at 10:00am, the memorial mass will be held at St. Anthony Claret Catholic Church, 6150 Roft Rd, San Antonio, TX 78253. The procession to the burial will depart St. Anthony Claret Catholic Church immediately following the conclusion of the mass. Martha Urias will be laid to rest at San Fernando Cemetery II, 746 Castroville Rd, San Antonio, TX 78237.

A Celebration of Life will be hosted on Friday, August 11, 2023

following the burial from 3pm -6pm

Ivy Hall & Gardens

1127 S. St. Mary's

San Antonio, TX 78210

The family will be receiving friends and family after the burial services. Light food and refreshments will be served.

Spurs or black and silver attire is encouraged to celebrate Marty.

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

https://www.lls.org/