Justina "Edna" Martinez

Justina "Edna" Martinez, born on September 9, 1968, in Vieques, Puerto Rico, transcended this life on February 4, 2025, at Bridgeport Hospital in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Edna was a vibrant spirit whose strength, independence, and dynamic sense of humor made her a beloved figure to those fortunate enough to know her.

Edna’s journey was defined by her unwavering commitment to education and personal growth. A dedicated scholar, she earned her GED from The Mercy Learning Center, followed by an associate's degree from Housatonic Community College. Remarkably, at the age of 52, she obtained her bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Post University, an accomplishment of which she was immensely proud.

In her professional life, Edna was known as a compassionate case worker at Alliance, where her personable nature and ability to make others feel comfortable allowed her to build lasting connections with her colleagues and clients alike.

Outside of work, Edna cherished her role as a mother and grandmother, proudly raising her children: Enrique Soto, Taina Martinez, Miguel A. Rodriguez, Tatianna Rodriguez, and Tayanira Martinez. With a legacy of love, she was blessed with 11 grandchildren and 2 grandchildren in law, each of whom brought joy and meaning to her life. Her Father, Roman Martinez, remained a guiding force for Edna throughout her life.

Edna had an incredible passion for cooking, particularly traditional Puerto Rican dishes, which served as a centerpiece for family gatherings that brought her loved ones together. She also delighted in music, often seen singing with enthusiasm, her love for life resonating through every note. Edna was a high-heeled shoe aficionado, displaying her colorful personality through her unique style. Her hobby of decorating her environment with butterflies transformed spaces into havens of beauty, reflecting her vibrant spirit.

Edna is survived by her children,  grandchildren, and her many siblings:Luz Delia, Marugenia, Lydia, Juana, Josefina, Doris, Dolores, Milagros, Carmelo, Roman, Samuel, Juan, Humberto, Luis, and Jose . Her late father, Roman Martinez, mother Florita Ortiz and her brother Julio Martinez is remembered fondly among those cherished in her heart.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Edna’s life during a viewing on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at Funeraria Luz De Paz, located at 426 E. Washington Ave., Bridgeport, CT. Following the viewing, a burial will take place at St. Michael's Cemetery, 2205 Stratford Ave., Stratford, CT, at 1:30 PM.

Justina "Edna" Martinez leaves behind a rich legacy woven with laughter, love, and resilience. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will forever flutter as brightly as the butterflies she adored.