Maria Elena "Bita" Martinez-Oscar

Maria Elena "Bita" Martinez-Oscar passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Monday, December 25, 2023, in Rialto, California at the age of 94.

Born in Mexico City on August 07, 1929, to Luis and Soledad Martinez, she is predeceased by her childhood sweetheart and husband of 42 years Francisco Oscar, her three brothers, nephew Hugo and her great-great-grandson Leonardo Mafia. She is survived by three brothers, three sisters, fourteen children: Frank, Marie, Marty, Maria Elena, Virginia, Maggie, Alejandra, Joe, Marilyn, Errol, Diana, Francine, Brian and Cherry, their spouses: Leticia, Larry, Rene, Roberto, Doug, Claudia, and Ed. Bita was also blessed with 52 grandchildren, 70 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

In her early years, Bita grew up in Mexico City, where she developed a deep appreciation for family values that would influence her throughout her life. At the age of 9, she met her future husband, Francisco Oscar, and decided then she would marry him. On August 18, 1947, she married Francisco and began to build a family and her true legacy.

She and her eight children traveled to the United States in 1958 to unite with her husband whom was working in the U.S. to provide for his family. They continued to grow their family by having six additional children. She was stay-at-home mom who enjoyed spending time with her children. She also enjoyed knitting, singing, dancing, and appreciated a good party. With the
multiple number of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, she was busy with birthday parties, new births, baptisms, confirmations, quinceaneras, marriages, and other family activities. Aside from dedicating herself to raising a loving family, Bita was known for her unwavering faith in God; her devout commitment was evident in every aspect of her life. Her spiritual guidance provided solace to those seeking comfort and served as an inspiration to all who knew her.

Bita's presence will forever be missed, but her memory will be cherished in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know her. Her legacy of love and compassion will continue to resonate throughout five generations that came from her. During this difficult time, let us come together to support one another and share stories of how Bita touched our lives. She may have left this world physically, but her spirit will live on forever in our hearts.

Viewing services are scheduled for Friday, January 26, 2024, from 5:00pm to 9:00pm at the Church of Our Heritage at Forest Lawn-Covina Hills, 21300 Via Verde, Covina, CA, 91724. Church services will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 10:00am to 11:00am at Saint Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Church, 747 Meadow Pass Road, Walnut, CA, 91789. Interment will be at the gravesite at Forest Lawn-Covina Hills, 21300 Via Verde, Covina, CA, 91724 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm. 

The Church Service and Mass will be live streamed on Saturday, January 27, 2024 beginning at 10 am.  Options include:

-Visit YouTube Channel: Lorenzo Ruiz Walnut

-View Facebook Page:  SLR Sacramentos

-Search YouTube or Facebook for Maria Elena Oscar Funeral Mass (Live around 9:45-9:50 am)

Flowers can be ordered through Jimmy’s Floral Shop, (213) 779-0164. In lieu of flowers, donations in Maria Elena “Bita” Martinez-Oscar’s name can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by clicking on the link: St. Jude Donations in Honor of Bita.