Dominga "Minga"

Perez Martinez

Dominga "Minga" Perez Martinez, 88, was received in the arms of our Lord and reunited with her husband of 70 years, her "Viejo," Jose Martinez, Sr. on Saturday July 16, 2022, surrounded by family. She is preceded in death by her parents Jose and Margarita Perez, brothers Ernesto Perez and Manuel Perez, Sr., sister Maria Macias, grandsons Michael Carmona, Jaime Martinez, and Jose Martinez III, and great grandson Brandon Ayala. Minga is survived by her brother Domingo Perez, Sr., her ten children Josie Martinez, Lisa (Roque) Saldivar, Consuelo Padron, Jose Martinez, Jr., Maria (Sal) Carmona, Francisco Martinez, Luis Martinez, David Martinez, Paula (Jose) Ayala, and Lupita Martinez. Minga departed as she left all her love with her 30 grandchildren, 58 great grandchildren, and 17 great, great grandchildren. All of whom are the heirlooms of her continued presence in this world.
Minga was a lifelong resident of Harlingen, Texas. She began working at an early age laboring in fields and creating her strong work ethic. Most of her employment years were spent as a crew leader at Texas Linens (Unifirst) where she oversaw the production of various types of linens. Following her lengthy career at Texas Linens, Minga worked at Garza Elizondo Funeral Home. Upon retiring from work, she spent many years taking care of her home and family.
In the last few years of her life, Minga battled with dementia. As time passed by, the disease changed her appearance, some of her personality, and her daily routine. Even so, her love for people never swayed. According to her, "she knew everyone, everywhere." Complete strangers were her "compadres" and she made it a point to say hello. She was blessed to encounter strangers that saw her heart, not the disease, and were willing to share a moment of their time and a smile. Minga's heart was always the greatest part about her, and nothing would ever alter that.
Minga will be missed by so many people. Family, friends, and anyone that had a conversation with her. She had many Comadres and Compadres; a friend to everyone even on the first acquaintance. She will also be remembered by so many because of the amazing cook she was. Many people had their favorite dish that she made, but anything she prepared filled your belly and warmed your soul. The one item that she will always be known for were her famous bean tacos. She loved making them and everyone enjoyed eating them even more. For Minga, her food, especially her bean tacos, was her way of sharing a piece of her caring heart with all those around her.
Honored to be pallbearers are Amanda Carmona, Sal Carmona, Jr., Joshua Martinez, Roque "Rocky" Saldivar, Sr., Amy Salinas, and Adam Mate. Special gratitude to Dee "La Dee" Bennett and Frances Garcia for all their assistance in caring for Minga over many years. A very special thank you to Joshua and Briana Martinez for their support and daily attentiveness to Minga in the final stages of her life.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 20, 2022, from1:00 pm to 9 pm with a prayer service of the holy rosary at 7:00 pm at Trinity Funeral Chapel.
Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, July 21, 2022, at 10:00 am at Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Ashland Memorial Park Cemetery in Harlingen, Texas.
Arrangements are under the direction of Trinity at Harrison Funeral Home, 1002 East Harrison Ave. Harlingen, TX 78550. www.trinityfunerals.com.