Nilda Gloria Martinez

July 25, 1941 - February 11, 2021

MARTINEZ, Nilda Gloria Garcia de Vera , 79, died peacefully at Empath Suncoast Hospice, Palm Harbor, Florida. Nilda was born in Kingsville, Texas, in 1941 to Isabell Vera Garcia & Domingo Torres Garcia. Nilda enjoyed the outdoors and all it had to offer: from boating to horseback riding, climbing trees to team and individual sports. She played varsity girls tennis at San Antonio Technical High School, winning the girls’ state tennis championship. Nilda was employed by the U.S Government in various positions and was promoted quickly and often during her 35 years while raising two children as a single mother, until she met the love of her life, Detlef M. Martinez, in 1972 and they married in ‘73 and she accompanied him on his military assignments worldwide and traveled extensively in Europe. Her favorite city was Venice for its spiritual relevance. Nilda will be remembered for her strength, beauty, and spirituality. She was a fiercely loyal lioness to her family and friends -- evident in the lifelong friendships she forged. She faced good days and bad with grace and class. “Something wonderful and beautiful is going to happen to me today,” she liked to say. Nilda is survived by her husband, Detlef M. Martinez; sons, Juan Ramon Caceres of San Antonio, TX: Jason Hiram Martinez of Dunedin, FL; her daughter, Zina Denise Kallis ( Christos Kallis ) ; and her grandchildren, Jordan Lee Caceres, Jessica Marie Caceres, Jaiden Mathew Caceres, Janea Nicole Caceres: Kayleigh Kristine Biggs, Seth McClain Biggs and Ethan Keith Roberson. And numerous cousins in Texas. And last but not least her loyal dog Diego Domingo, her constant companion. Her friends and neighbors will miss this kind and gentle soul, Her Smile, Her good nature and her love of life, and laughter!