Isabel (Chavela) Cantu Martinez, age 84, was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 4, 2022 in Corpus Christi, TX.  Her passing was sudden and unexpected.

Isabel was born on August 23, 1938 to Jose and Maria Cantu in Piedras Negras, Coahuila in Mexico. She was married to Jose Mario Martinez in 1961 and spent the majority of her life as a housewife and raising eight children. She dedicated her life and self to being a good wife and assuring that she could provide the best possible life for her family. Her children were her motivation and she loved them with her entire being. Her faith in God was immeasurable and was the foundation from which she cared for her loved ones. As a matriarch, she was the glue that held the family together. She had a passion for music and loved to sing and dance. She especially enjoyed listening to live music and mariachis. Her appearance was anything but dull as she styled herself in bright-colored clothing, vibrant hair and makeup, along with the jewelry to match.  She loved to dress up and look pretty.  She was a firecracker of a personality who loved deeply. She will be dearly missed and remembered for her caring nature, her charm and ability to make others laugh.

Isabel is preceded in death by husband Jose Mario Martinez, Sr.; father Jose Maria Cantu and mother Maria Charles Cantu; siblings Manuela Cantu, Victoria Cantu Gonzalez, Alejandro Cantu, and Socorro Cantu Flores.

Isabel is survived by her children Jose Mario Martinez, Jr., Armando (Denise) Martinez, Oscar (Lisa) Martinez, Marivel Martinez, Anavel Martinez, Enrique (Nena) Martinez, Homer Martinez, and Isabel Teresa Martinez; grandchildren Ashley (Emmanuel) Rodriquez, Ryan Spitzer, Kennedy Martinez, Austin Martinez, Amanda Martinez, and Travis Martinez, Brienna Martinez, Kristen Martinez, Ricky Martinez, Christopher David Martinez, Natalia Teresa Martinez, Fabiana Paola Martinez, Deanelly Isabella Martinez; great-grandchildren Emmanuel Rodriguez, Jr., Angie Belle Martinez, and Ciana Solaria Martinez.

Public visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at Guardian Funeral Home Chapel ''A" with a Holy Rosary and celebration of Isabel's life to begin at 6:30 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 15, 2022 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2509 Nogales St.

Burial will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery, 8200 Old Brownsville Rd.