Lorraine Alice Martinez

Lorraine A. Martinez, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, peacefully left this world on July 11, 2025. A San Diego native, Lorraine was born on, August 19, 1928 and was always proud to call San Diego home.

Before reaching school age, Lorraine was enrolled in piano lessons. One of her passions became the piano and she spent countless hours sharing her talent through entertaining, accompanying and teaching.

Lorraine attended elementary school at Our Lady of Angels in the Sherman Heights area and graduated high school from Cathedral Girls Catholic School. At the conclusion of high school, Lorraine was hired at Pacific Telephone where she would work into the 1970s. One of Lorraine’s earliest positions with Pacific Telephone was switchboard operator. On August 14,1945, Lorraine had one of her most memorable career experiences as she was working when the end of World War II was announced. Lorraine never forgot the jubilation shared by her co-workers and callers.

During the World War II era, Lorraine became active in the United Service Organization, more familiarly known as the USO. Lorraine was a very active member of the USO assisting with the coordination of various activities such as picnics, prayer groups and attending Mass. However, the one activity which would prove to be life-changing for Lorraine was serving as a dance hostess. It was as a dance hostess, Lorraine would meet a young sailor from Fort Worth, Texas, John Martinez, who she preferred to call Johnny. Lorraine and John began dating as he finished his Naval career and on August 19, 1950, they were married. August 4, 1951, Lorraine and John welcomed their first son, John, Jr. Years later on December 29, 1957 they welcomed their second son, Jim.

In 1960, Lorraine and John began searching for their forever home and it was then they purchased a house on Timothy Drive where they would raise their boys and live until 2018. After moving into the neighborhood one of the first things Lorraine and John did was to register with the Holy Spirit Catholic Parish. Holy Spirit would play an integral part of the Martinez family’s lives.

In the early 1960s Lorraine’s piano playing ability was introduced to the neighborhood when she was asked to serve as accompanist for Holy Spirit’s upcoming talent show. It was from that show a fellow parishioner asked Lorraine if she could teach piano to one of her daughters. While she had never taught piano, Lorraine agreed and as ‘they say’, the rest is history.

Lorraine taught piano for close to fifteen years, Monday through Saturday and frequently had more than two dozen students at any given time. During this time Lorraine was so much more than a piano teacher. To her students Lorraine was a friend, mentor, sounding board and counselor. While there were scheduled times for lessons, there was no clock. If a student needed additional time for piano or to talk through a life matter, Lorraine always extended any time needed.

After retiring from the Telephone Company, Lorraine worked as a bookkeeper at O’Connors Church Goods. She also frequently provided support to the Holy Spirit church office and frequently participated in various parish events.

Before all else, Lorraine was very dedicated to her Catholic faith. In her early life Lorraine had considered becoming a Carmelite nun. While she did not pursue the convent, Lorraine was a staunch Catholic and spent countless hours in independent prayer, something she attributed as the primary guidance which led her through any of life’s challenges.

Other interests of Lorraine’s included gardening, fishing, bowling, watching sports and, of course, dancing. Lorraine and John loved to dance, and they did so very, very well throughout their life together. She had a smile for everyone and an infectious laugh which was familiar to all.

From a very young age, Lorraine took on the role of big sister. Over the years she spent countless hours caring for, playing with and mentoring her sisters, Joan Campbell and Yvonne Sherman. Lorraine was also very fond of her brother-in-law, Les Sherman. Lorraine loved her siblings deeply.

Lorraine is preceded in death by her husband of sixty-seven years, John L. “Johnny” Martinez, Sr. She is survived by her sons, John L. Jr., Jim / Christine Labit, grandson Michael J. Martinez, PhD / Sarah Megahed, granddaughters Patricia R. Mautino / John, USN Ret., Victoria Y. Martinez / Jim Gorsich. Great-Grandchildren, Khalil J. Martinez, Sami M. Martinez, Laiyla L. Martinez and Aiden J. Mautino, along with her sisters Joan Campbell and Yvonne Sherman / Les.

Lorraine will remain in our hearts and memories. She is loved and will be missed by all.

A Catholic Rosary service will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Featheringill Mortuary, 6322 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92115.

Funeral services will take place on Friday, August 8, 2025 at 10:30 am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2725 55th Street, San Diego, CA 92105.

She will be reunited with her husband, John, and will be laid to rest at Miramar National Cemetery.