Martha (Rocha) Navarro

Martha Rocha Navarro 82, of Watsonville California, passed away surrounded by loved ones, on August 24, 2024 due to natural causes.

Martha was born on September 3, 1941, to Porfirio Rocha Fernandez and Esperanza Bonilla Suarez, in Gomez Farias, Michoacan Mexico. She was the eldest of Porfirio and Esperanza's children. Martha attended school in Gomez Farias, Michoacan.

On August 10, 1955, Martha married Raul Navarro Fernandez in Gomez Farias, Michoacan and they began their family. In 1966 they migrated to California, where Martha and Raul would eventually settle in Watsonville, and go on to have 8 children together, blessed with all boys. In the late 1970's, Martha worked for Clint Miller Farms, and Antonio Leonardini Inc. in the early 1980's. In 1996 Martha became a U.S. citizen which was an enormously proud moment.

When Martha stopped working, she devoted her time to taking care of her family and home. She was well known within her family and neighborhood to be the best cook, always willing to share her recipes. It brought her immense joy to have her family around to share a meal which she prepared. Sunday morning breakfast at Grandmas is a treasured memory where family gathered to enjoy her infamous meals and gather together. Martha was an amazing mother and grandmother, even great grandmother. Her knack for remembering everyone's birthday was unmatched. She was an avid craftsman at sewing and knitting, often entering her crafts in the Santa Cruz County Fair, and she would place 1st on many occasions. Overall, her favorite thing to do was just spend time with her family. She loved it when she had family visitors.

Martha is preceded in death by her Father Porfirio Rocha Fernandez, and Mother Esperanza Bonilla Suarez. She leaves behind her spouse Raul Navarro Fernandez, sons, Raul Navarro, Arturo Navarro (Sheri), Gerardo Navarro (Delia), David Navarro (Olivia), Joe Navarro (Nora), Tony Navarro (Georgina), Rich Navarro, Rigo Navarro (Michelle). 26 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren. Siblings: Esteban Rocha, Sergio Rocha, Servando Rocha, Rosa Fernandez, Leticia Alvarez. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and God children.

A Rosary will be held September 15, 2024 from 5:00pm-9:00pm at Mehl's Colonial Chapel, 222 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, Ca. Catholic Mass will be held on September 16, 2024 from 10:00am-11:00am at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 100 Salinas Road, Pajaro, Ca. Burial will follow at Pioneer Cemetery, 66 Marin Street, Watsonville, Ca.

Mehl's Colonial Chapel was entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Published in The Pajaronian · September 4, 2024