Araceli “Ari” Martinez gained her angel wings on January 20, 2025, after losing her battle to cancer, diagnosed almost exactly one year prior. She was born in Zacatecas, MX, on October 14, 1971.  In 1973, her father immigrated to Santa Ana, CA, to where her mother and younger brother soon arrived the following year.  They would soon grow to a family of five upon the arrival of her second brother, followed by her sister and then their youngest brother.  

In Santa Ana, she met her future husband, Aurelio, at a young age. Together, they raised their three children, Maritza, Andrew, and Nathan, in the city. They also lovingly raised Joel, Aurelio's younger brother and tragically lost a daughter, Lupita, shortly after her birth. 

Ari was a vibrant, beautiful woman  who loved music and dancing. After working as an assistant to an oral/maxillofacial surgeon, she devoted herself to raising their children as a stay at home mom.  She volunteered at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church where her sons  attended school.  

Family life was a central focus, with countless hours spent at sporting events - softball, football, basketball and wrestling. 

As her children grew older, she started a small business inspired by her Catholic faith, incorporating her love of flowers, gardening and home decor. She was an active member of Christ Cathedral and Christ our Savior Catholic communities, enjoyed dancing with friends at Zumba classes and spending her weekends with her husband at Farmers markets.  

Ari and her family cherished family vacations, often visiting the small town of Piedra Gorda where her and her husband’s families originated. They also enjoyed camping and spending time with her parents, siblings and lovely nieces and nephews in Arizona.. Ari loved nature and frequently hiked or biked along the Santa Ana River to the beach in Huntington. She loved to take pictures, collect sea shells and easily made friends everywhere she went. 

Beloved by many, Ari was a loving godmother to over 25 children, cherished by countless comadres & compadres.  Her deep devotion to her Catholic faith inspired many.  Her radiant smile, a beacon of warmth, will be deeply missed by her husband, children, fur baby Luna,  parents, siblings and countless friends.

 

 

It is with our deepest sorrow and heaviest of hearts that we inform you of the passing of our cherished and beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and Tia Araceli Martinez on January 20, 2025. Deeply mourned by her husband Aurelio and their children, Maritza, Andrew, Nathan and the late baby Lupita.  Araceli’s unquestioned love for her family and her devotion and faith in our Lord brought joy to her and everyone she met.  A memorial service and Rosary will be held on Wednesday evening, January 29th and a mass the following morning.  Please find the details below.

Con tristeza profunda y corazónes pesados, les informamos del fallecimiento de nuestra querida y amada esposa, madre, hija y hermana Araceli Martínez el 20 de enero de 2025. Su esposo Aurelio y sus hijos, Maritza, Andrew y Nathan y bebe Lupita, lamentan profundamente su pérdida. El amor incuestionable de Araceli por su familia y su devoción y fe en nuestro Señor le trajeron alegría an ella y a todos los que la conocieron. Se llevará a cabo un servicio conmemorativo y un rosario el miércoles 29 de enero por la noche y una misa a la mañana siguiente. A continuación, encontraran los detalles.