Mrs. Nereida "Nelly" Martinez

December 25, 1959 - June 23, 2021

Nereida “Nelly” Martinez Honoring Life, Celebrating Love Nereida Martinez, affectionately known as “Nelly,” was born the second eldest of nine children on December 25, 1959, in Vega Baja (Puerto Rico), to Jose’ “Che Che” Martinez, Sr. and Alejandrina Soto Martinez (both predeceased). In 1963, as a young child, Nelly moved from Puerto Rico with her parents to the City of New Brunswick, New Jersey, where she would attend school and become an active student and member of the New Brunswick community. A little more than a decade later, in 1975, Nelly married her childhood sweetheart, Hector Guadalupe, Sr. (predeceased), and began a family of her own - giving birth to: Hector Guadalupe, Jr., Angel Guadalupe, and Nina Marie Guadalupe. From the start of motherhood, Nelly remained a devoted mother and nurturer to not only her children, but to countless children and youth living and growing throughout her community. With a love and passion for working with the youth, throughout her working years, Nelly considered herself fortunate to work within her community for several years as a dedicated aide, chaperone, and staff member for recreational youth programs such as “Play Safe” in New Brunswick and the Head Start-MCEOC Preschool program; from where she retired after 11 years of service. In her personal time, Nelly loved spending time and enjoying life with her family and friends. No matter what the occasion, Nelly was truly the “light” and “life of the party.” Her illuminous smile, infectious laughter, vibrant spirit, and unmatched charisma will without doubt be forever nestled in the hearts of all those she encountered throughout her life’s journey. Nelly loved celebrating life and special family occasions and holidays, with Christmas being her favorite holiday of all. Nelly also loved hearing the teachings of the Bible and was a parishioner at Changing Lives Ministries in South River, New Jersey, where she had grown to become a faithful believer and follower of Christ. And as a family matriarch, Nelly was blessed with abundance of love and cherished beyond measure. Nelly’s legacy of love will flourish and she will forever be treasured by her three children: Hector Guadalupe Jr. (Erica), Angel Guadalupe (Taisha), Nina Guadalupe (Shadee) all of New Jersey, along with 16 loving grandchildren - Shania Guadalupe of CA; Tyasia K. Guadalupe of PA; Hector Guadalupe III of NJ; Leilanie Guadalupe of GA; Trinity & Prince Guadalupe of NJ; Chase Lockhart Guadalupe of NJ; Mekhi, Micah & Madison Guadalupe of NJ; Nia Guadalupe of NJ; J’nia Guadalupe of NJ; Jayden Guadalupe of NJ; Shadee Jr. (SJ), Kamrin, and Kamron Davis of NJ and one great granddaughter Bey’Yah Guadalupe. Siblings: Jose’ “Che Che” Martinez, Jr. (Virginia); Victor “Moyeto” Martinez (predeceased); Ruben Martinez, Ediberto “Eddie” Martinez (predeceased); Enrique “Clinky” Martinez (predeceased); Alberto “Beto” Martinez (Grace); Nora Martinez, Evelyn Martinez-Torres (Ruben) and a host of loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.