Josefa "Chepa" L. Martinez of Port Isabel, Texas, passed away on Friday, February 10, 2012 at her home with her family by her side. She was 79 years old. She was born on September 27, 1932 in Port Isabel, Texas where she lived all her life. Her biggest joys were cooking for her family and friends, playing bingo and chalupa, and sewing. She was a lifelong fan of the Port Isabel Tarpons, and enjoyed cheering for them at their games. Chepa was very proud to be the daughter of the late Yndalecio Lopez, a local World War I hero. She was also a devoted member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church. She is preceded in death by her mother, Maria V. De La Garza; father, Yndalecio Lopez; sisters Rita V. Tamayo and Casilda V. Gonzalez; brother, Victor V. Bulerez; and her grandson, E.J. Martinez Jr. Chepa is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Casimiro Mares Martinez Sr.; her children: Edwardo (Martha) Martinez, Estella (Len) Simmons, Anna Maria (Gualberto) Gonzalez, Elvia (Alberto) Barberena, Josefa (Thomas) Sherrick, Casimiro Mares Martinez Jr., Armando (Norma) Martinez, Burnie (Carlos) Galvan, and Morris (Ana) Martinez; 26 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; brothers, Guadalupe De La Garza Jr. and Jose De La Garza; and her sister Maria de La Garza Helmke. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 12, 2012 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with a holy rosary to be recited at 7:00 pm, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church located on 705 S. Longoria St in Port Isabel. Visitation will continue on Monday, February 13, 2012 from 12:30 to 2:00 pm, with Mass of Resurrection to begin at 2:00 pm, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Committal service to follow to Port Isabel City Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Antonio "Pichie" Gonzalez Jr., Jose Andres "Andy" Gonzalez, Arturo "Tutu" Gonzalez, Tomas L. Tamayo, Adrian Tamayo, Mark Helmke, Jose Antonio "Joey" De La Garza Jr., and Victor Joseph Bulerez. Flowers are welcomed and for those wishing to may make memorial donations in memory of Josefa Lopez Martinez to American Legion Post 498, 819 S. Garcia St., Port Isabel, TX 78578. Words of Comfort can be sent to the family of Josefa "Chepa" L. Martinez at www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.