Margaret Jean (Charles) Martinez was born on October 19, 1957 to Clarice Charles-Swain in Crescent City. Margaret sadly passed away from aggressive cancer on Sunday, March 13, 2022 at her home in Blue Lake.

Margaret is survived by her children Nettie and Ellrod (her bingo partner) Daniel Martinez, Rafael Martinez, Margaret “Maria” Mata, Kathy Mata & Flavio, Michael Ballard & Dawn, Guadalupe “Junior”Oscar her grandchildren Waukell, Joseph, Oceanna, Jason Anthony, Sayah, Angelica, Adin, Nettie-jo, Oscar, Milo, Matteo, Tyler, Klohie, Terris, her brother Russell Walters, and ex/good friend ‘til the end Butch Henderson (grandpa)

Predeceased by brother John Swain, Delray Bates, grandparents, foster parents and her best friend Blaine Reese, Pete, Bobby and many more. Margaret leaves behind son Justin Stripling; two granddaughters Jazzmean, Karisma; and three great-grandkids; brothers and sisters Jack, Jim, Joe, Lottie, Leona, Tonja; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

She had a hard upbringing. Despite all that she pushed through and made a good life, getting adopted out and reunited with her blood family. She live down south, moved to Humboldt County to raise her kids in 1980.

She was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer almost year ago after being first diagnosed with stage 3 cancer in 2018. “I put up a good fight, longer than the doctors said (6 month) I did it,” she said on New Year’s Day. “Cancer sucks.” (Get to know her sense of humor.)

When people would ask how to spell her last name she would spell it M-A-R-T-I-N-E-Z, but she’s not E-Z. Always got a laugh.

Margaret was known for her bright, colorful hair, cheerful self, a talking buddy, a listening ear, selfless acts, helping the best she can to everyone, and a smile that will be truly missed by all. Things she loved to do: arts and crafts, beading, going to new places to eat, walking, just taking a drive, traveling in general. Within the last year she fell in love with bingo. She likes owls, whales, the color hot pink and tie-dye. But glitter and glow-in-the-dark, she would say.

She struggled with the concept of tough love and was fiercely independent and private. She loved her entire family, despite their quirks and dysfunction. She worried about them, rooted for them, protected them, resented them, forgave them, and always kept on loving them. Biggest joy in life was raising her eight kids and enjoying her 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. When she would be at home you would find her doing something with her hobbies or sitting on the porch enjoying the outside. She was one of a kind and to be loved by her was to be truly blessed. May you be at peace and no longer suffering. FLY HIGH MOMMAKINS.

Margaret’s celebration of life will be held in Klamath on April 2, 2022 from 1-5 p.m. Pot luck (ask family for more details).

Carnations are her favorite.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Margaret Martinez’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.