Coronacion Martinez's Obituary
Coronacion Garzon Martinez, 74, of St. Clair, died on Saturday, November 06, 2010.
She was born April 22, 1936 in Guimbal, Iloilo, Philippines. She moved to the United States in 1962, and lived in New York for 10 years, then settled in St. Clair with her husband Pablo in 1972, and preceded her in death in 2000.
As the eldest granddaughter of the Garibay family, she was adored by all. Cora was a born leader. She took pride and excelled in her work and in school. She was class valedictorian of Guimbal Elementary and Guimbal High School. She continued her education and eventually was the first among the Garibay grandchildren to finish college. She graduated from the University of St. Agustin College of Dentistry (Iloilo City), with a Doctorate of Dental Medicine, Cum Laude. After passing the dental boards in the Philippines, she was a professor at St. Augustin for two years, while maintaining a private practice as a dentist during weekends, holidays and vacations. She applied for a working visa in the US, and landed in New York where she worked in research at Yale, and later transferred to Columbia. After raising her three children, she started a new career in marketing healthcare services, and worked at several companies in the Detroit Metro area.
She enjoyed gardening, her daily walk and spending time with her grandson
She is survived by her three children: son Paul J. Martinez, daughter Christine M. Weibel (Marc), daughter Catherine J. Williams (Bill), grandson Tyler J. Williams, brother Wilfredo G. Garzon (Chita), sister Elena G.Garzon, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues.
Visitation will be Thursday 2-4 PM, and 6-9 PM in the L.C. Friederichs and Son Funeral Home, St. Clair Funeral. In state Friday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, from 9:30 AM till mass at 10 AM, Father Greg Deters will officiate. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery.
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