Stephanie Elaine Martinez - Obituary

A Recipe for Life and Love” 5 pinches of feisty. A dash of wit. A pound of steel. All mixed with intelligence, loyalty, and love, and baked for 66 years. Stephanie Elaine Martinez was born on October 20, 1952 in Annotto Bay, Jamaica. She was the 9th of Franklin and Gladys Crosse’s 10 children, known affectionately as “Elaine”. As a little girl, she enjoyed climbing trees and playing outside with her siblings. Though she was often ill and very delicate, she didn’t let that stop her! In 1969, Stephanie and her family immigrated to the United States, settling in Washington DC. She graduated from Calvin Coolidge Senior High School in 1972. It was soon after her new life in America began that she was diagnosed with sickle cell disease. Despite this devastating diagnosis, she remained fiercely independent, and pushed forward. She began working in various facilities as a secretary, a hospital unit secretary, and eventually in medical billing. In 1978, she met the love of her life, Tony Martinez, and after a whirlwind romance, they married in May of 1979. In 1982, their only daughter, Angelina was born. Stephanie was a dedicated, nurturing mother and wife, and her family meant everything to her. She was a gifted homemaker and cook, and took great pride in presenting a beautiful home and table to her loved ones. Throughout her life, Stephanie faced health challenges that would have been insurmountable to most people. However, she battled them like a warrior, and always maintained an optimistic outlook and a feisty attitude! It seemed as though nothing could stop her, but even the strongest fighters must rest. On October 11, 2019, Stephanie peacefully passed away with loving family by her side. She leaves behind her daughter, Angelina, stepson Christopher, siblings Constance, John, Woodrow, Melanchthon, Mary Jean, Rosemarie and Franklin, her mother-in- law, Greta, and a host of family and friends that will cherish her memory. Her recipe for life can be passed on to all that knew and loved her.