Obituary of Elvira C. Martin

On May 15th 2019, Elvira Candelaria Martin died peacefully in her home of natural causes at the age of 93.  She was born on the 4th of July, 1925 in Los Angeles to her late parents, Arthur L. and Atanasia Candelaria.  They moved to Hollister in 1926.

Living in Hollister her whole life, Elvira attended and graduated from Sacred Heart Grammar School and then from San Benito Joint Union High School.  She would often accompany her father to local Big Band Dances where he was the band leader.  It was at one of these dances where she met her husband-to-be, Frank M. Martin.  They married in 1948 and were together for 50 years until Frank’s death in 1998.  They proudly raised four children in the same home where she lived the rest of her life. 

Elvira was a woman of strong faith.  She was a member of Sacred Heart/Saint Benedict Parish.  For a time, she was active in the Sacred Heart Parish Council, the Diocese of Monterey Spanish Speaking Crusillo Movement, The Young Ladies Institute, and St John XV’s Prayer Group.  Her devotion to her faith and family inspired numerous travels, near and far, to places such as Mexico, Spain, Rome and The Vatican to name a few.

She was especially proud of her work at Spring Grove School in Hollister, where she worked for 25 years mentoring young students.  She cared deeply for the children, many of whom would visit Elvira, even after her retirement, to share the impact she had on them and their lives. 

In addition to having a large family, Elvira had many very close friends whom she loved and appreciated dearly.  They became fixtures in her home and considered part of the family.  She loved to tell stories of her earlier years and visit at length with everyone.

Family will be forever grateful to Elvira’s caregivers who supported her through the end of her life.  Special and heartfelt appreciation to Guadalupe Arrendondo and Christina Alvarez Ocampo –no words can express our gratitude for the care they provided, while enabling Elvira to remain in her own home for the rest of her life.  You have truly become a part of our family.

Elvira was preceded in death by her husband Frank M. Martin, siblings Alfred, Hilario, Virginia, and Edward Candelaria, and recently, by her son Bobby Martin.

She is survived by her youngest brother, Alfred B. (Fidencia) Candelaria, sister-in-laws Mercy Candelaria, Dolores Postigo, brother-in-laws Larry (Marilyn) Martin and Manuel (Eileen) Martin.  She will be remembered and cherished by her children; David (Robin) Martin, Terry (Ed) Price, and Mary Ellen Martin, all of Hollister.  Grandchildren; Brian (Phaedra) Martin of San Diego, James (Gabriela) Martin of San Juan Bautista, and Bobby Martin, Jr of Hollister.  Great-Grandchildren; Angel (Maylani) Martin and Anthony Martin of Hollister, Ian and Amory Martin of San Diego, and Lilly, Emi and Luke Martin Candelaria of San Juan Bautista.  Great-Great-Grandchildren; Isaac and Isabella Martin of Hollister.  She had numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. 

Services for Elvira:  Rosary at 7:00pm on Wednesday May 22nd at Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home.  Funeral at 11:00am on Thursday May 23rd at St Benedict Catholic Church.