Elsie Schaffer Martinez

Elsie Schaffer Martinez Elsie Schaffer Martinez, 91, passed away on Monday, August 5, 2013 in Laredo, Texas. Born in San Antonio, Texas on February 11, 1922, Mrs. Martinez enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp (WAC) at the age of 21 after volunteering as a recruit of young women for military service in the Woman’s Army Auxiliary Corp. After basic training in Arkansas, Mrs. Martinez was sent to a high security base in Pueblo Colorado where she began her work in the photo lab developing aerial photos taken by army photographers. On November 1945, after three years of service, Mrs. Martinez was discharged as a Corporal and earned the Good Conduct Medal, the American Defense Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the WAAC Medal and the Philippines Liberation Medal. After her discharge, Mrs. Martinez moved to Mexico City and attended El Colegio Mexico under the G.I. Bill. She studied Spanish to become an entrepreneur. While working with the Embassy, she met her future husband, Pablo Martinez. Soon after their first son was born, they moved to Laredo, Texas, eventually opening Martinez Meat Market. After the death of her husband and the closing of the meat market, Mrs. Martinez volunteered her services to the local Veterans Clinic of Laredo, which led her to receive several awards and recognitions for her service. Mrs. Martinez is preceded in death by her loving husband, Pablo Martinez; son, Jaime Martinez; mother, Isabel Schaffer; grandmother, Lupita Tessada. She is survived by her son, Juan I. (Luz Elena) Martinez; daughters, Selma D. Martinez and Alexandra (Bill) Fincher; grandchildren, Juan G. (Grace) Martinez, Jaimie A. Martinez, Ariana K. Martinez, Derrick D. (Connie) Garcia, Michael S. (Tammy)Waggoner, Jackie Elsie (Paul)Grimm, Jaimie I. Martinez, John J. Martinez; great grandchildren, Cody Waggoner, Kyle Waggoner, Ashley Waggoner, Ava Grimm, Aidan C. Martinez, Sofia E. Garcia, Samuel P. Garcia, Franchesca Grimm. Also surviving are numerous relatives and friends. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 9, 2013 at 12:00 p.m. in the Hillside Funeral Home Chapel. A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Military Honors will be provided by Fort Sam Houston Honor Guard and American Legion Post 59 Honor Guard. The family would like to thank Nurses on Wheels and the nurses at Doctors Hospital along with the physicians who attended to her needs. Our special thanks to Dr. Milton Haber and his staff for the wonderful care that was provided to our mother. If you would like to sign the guestbook or send private condolences, you may do so at www.hillsidefuneral.com Arrangements are under the direction of Hillside Funeral Home, 310 Hillside Road.