Woman from Detroit’s Mexicantown died from COVID-19 complications

This obituary is part of “We Will Remember,” a series about those we’ve lost to the coronavirus.

Sandra Jaqueline Martinez had a passion for sewing and a heart for helping those less fortunate. She lived in Detroit’s Mexicantown area for more than 30 years.

Martinez died April 15, 2021, several days after testing positive for COVID-19, at her home in southwest Detroit near Michigan Central Station.

Born in Sabinas Hidalgo Nuevo León, Mexico, to Lauro and Nicolasa Guadiana, Martinez grew up with five siblings.

She was married to her husband, Roman Martinez, for 31 years.

Known to always have a smile on her face, Martinez spoke very little English, but was able to understand, according to her daughter Olivia Martinez.

She was a homemaker who took care of her family and had a passion for sewing dresses and other clothing, knitting and crafts. 

She was known for helping people.

“If anybody asked for help, she would help, regardless of the situation,” Olivia Martinez said. 

She said her mother has always encouraged her family to “be humble and kind and always be thankful for what we have, because tomorrow is never promised.”

She recently became a grandmother and had started babysitting her grandson while Olivia Martinez worked.

She didn’t want him left in day care, according to Olivia, who said Martinez  insisted, “As long as I live, I will babysit him.” 

Martinez also enjoyed working outdoors and gardening, as well as cooking tamales and tacos. 

She was active in her community and volunteered at Basilica of Sainte Anne de Détroit with the church’s food bank.

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Mexican Village Restaurant, also in her neighborhood, was a special place for Martinez and her husband , who visited every year on their wedding anniversary.

The couple, who were not vaccinated, went to Vernor Urgent Care to get tested for COVID-19 after they both had not been feeling well. They tested positive for the virus and were sent home. Sandra Martinez had a mild cough and was sent home with steroids and cough syrup, according to Olivia Martinez.

A week after being home, Martinez was found unresponsive by her daughter.