Obituary of Isabel Martinez

Isabel Martinez “Chava,” a long-time Gulf Breeze, FL and NYC resident died on June 9, 2023 of a brain aneurysm at the age of 86. 

Chava is survived by her daughter, Patti Illescas, son, Mario Arana, grandchildren Andrea, Jennifer, Stephanie, Jackie and Bridget and her great grandchildren, Ripley, Keanu, Eva and Haisley. 

She was born in Girardot Cundinamarca, Colombia on April 18, 1937. She worked hard in Colombia and NYC as a manager of the factory floor and ended her career working for Oscar De La Renta. 

Chava was devoted to her family, especially her grandkids, and from a young age was a follower of Christ. She was a spiritual person and an active member in her church. She loved making people laugh, sharing her life lessons, giving to others and telling stories. 

She enjoyed dancing, cooking, helping others, playing Jenga and parcheesi (also the casino!), eating some good seafood, the beach and loved her family and church community.

Chava was a beautiful soul that touched everyone she met. She always put God first and was always the first person to reach out and help others. She was a strong, wise, kind, intelligent, funny and caring person. She always had a good joke on hand and was ready to make everyone laugh. Chava was an excellent Jenga player, she always won! 

We will miss our beautiful mom, grandma and great grandmother. We thank her for doing all that she did to make sure that future generations had a great life and for passing down life lessons, funny jokes and family recipes. Rest In Peace beautiful soul. 

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday. June 16 from 4:30pm to 6:30 pm at 5627 North Davis Highway, Pensacola, FL 32503