Sister Mary Lelia Martinez, MCDP, entered eternal life on Thursday, August 13, 2020, at the age of 91.  Sister Lelia (baptized Eulalia) was born February 12, 1929, in Sabinal, Texas to José Martinez and Mariana Torres. She answered God's call to become a Missionary Catechists of Divine Providence entering on December 31, 1949, professed first vows on February 7, 1952, and Triennial vows on August 6, 1958, at Stella Maris Chapel, San Antonio, Texas.

Sister Lelia grew up in the bosom of a large family in southwest Texas. Receiving her sacraments and deepening her love for Christ in daily communion began her journey toward religious life. As she discerned God's call, she spoke often with the parish priest about her vocation. From that young age she was highly regarded by the parish community and was described as one of the best of the young ladies of the parish. She was found to have a deep sense of piety and a great love for her church and left an impression of her splendid spirit of obedience, cooperation, and her loyalty. She attended public school in Sabinal and soon after graduating from high school pursued God's call to request entrance to a religious community. She received a B.A. from Our Lady of the Lake University, and Master's in Religious Education from the University of St. Thomas.

Professed for 68 years, Sister Lelia was known and highly regarded as a dedicated and loyal catechist. She loved living and working in community and was drawn to ministry in small towns. She loved working among the people and children. She found joy working with humble parish communities becoming a bridge between people of different cultures and languages. Called and missioned to work among the poor, Sister Lelia worked in ministries in Religious Education in Sugarland, Rosenberg, Waco, Dallas, Houston, La Coste, San Antonio, Lockhart, Weslaco, Roma, Elsa, Palacios, Sonora and El Dorado, Texas, Rincon and Las Cruses New Mexico, and Stafford and Nogales, Arizona.

She had a special interest in spirituality and all that pertained to this dimension in herself as well as in others. She enjoyed music and used it as a means for her personal expression and growth in her communication and relationship with the Lord. Moved by the music of the Spirit she composed a multitude of original songs and recorded several songs including "Childlike Confidence," "Dulce Madre," and "The Spirit's Anointing" with the Missionary Catechists of Divine Providence. She also had a way around the kitchen often filling it with the sweet smell of cinnamon and pumpkin as she prepared her special empanadas to the delight of friends and visitors who came to the convent for bake sales. Sister Lelia is fondly remember as the best at delivering punchlines helping to fill the room with laughter.

She is survived by her by brother, Blas T. Martinez, numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, friends and her Sisters the Missionary Catechists of Divine Providence.  She was preceded in death by her parents, José Martinez and Mariana Torres, siblings Sister Lilia de Jesus, STJ, Juanita Martinez, Celso T. Martinez, Jose T. Martinez, Deacon Ignacio T. Martinez, Telesforo T. Martinez, Francisco T. Martinez, Cecilia T. Martinez, Teresa T. Martinez, and Sister Rose Mary, MSSA.

All services will take place on Monday, August 17, 2020. A rosary and visitation will be held at 9:30 am.  A Mass of Resurrection 10:30 am and internment at San Fernando Cemetery No 2. Pall bearers: Christopher Tovar, Xavier Tovar, Joe Deosdade, John Orsborn, Danny Campos, and Albert Perez. All services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, you may wish to make a memorial contribution to the Missionary Catechists of Divine Providence, 2318 Castroville Rd. San Antonio, Texas 78237.