Marta W. Mateo, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. Born to Marta Velasquez and Diosiel Mateo, she was lovingly raised by two remarkable mothers, Rosa Luisa Oliveri Arroyo and Margarita Velasquez.

Marta moved to the Bronx, New York, as a child, where she attended NYC schools. She attended Roosevelt High School and met her high school sweetheart, Manuel Hernandez. Marta embraced motherhood with the birth of her first daughter, and she and Manuel welcomed two more daughters after that. Though they separated in 1985, they remained the best of friends and dedicated co-parents.

In 1986, Marta met the love of her life, Jose Luis Vasquez, and together they welcomed their first son in 1987, followed by their last daughter in 1989. In 1988 Marta pursued her dreams by returning to school, earning her GED and Business Associates Degree at SCS Business and Technical Institute. After her separation from Jose in 1992 She worked as a jewelry expert and later as an assistant to adults with disabilities when she relocated to Rochester, NY.

In 2001, a severe car accident forced Marta to retire early, but she never lost her spirit. In 2020, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by returning to her homeland Puerto Rico, where she stated, “I was born here, and I will die here.” 

Marta faced numerous challenges throughout her life, which shaped her into the strong, resilient woman she became a determination underscored by a heart of gold. Beneath her tough exterior lay an incredibly selfless person who would go above and beyond to help anyone in need. When she loved, she loved fiercely.

Marta was blessed with five children 

Denise Dempsey ( Ron Dempsey) Cindy Hernandez ( Matthew Tyner)

Jessica Hernandez ( Samuel Moise) Jose Luis G. Vasquez, Emily Annie Vasquez ( German Colon) 

Twelve grandchildren, Luis M. Almonte, Samantha A. Tyner, Matthew W. Tyner, Anthony D. Banks, Luis G. Zarate, Anijhea V. Dempsey, Izayah A. Snell, Leyleani R. Colon, Alana M. Vazquez, German Colon, Elmis J. Dempsey, Jaymily Colon. 

She was blessed with fifteen siblings German Santos, Marilyn Bonilla( Ezequiel Bonilla), Maria Bauza (Rafael Bauza), George Santos, Javier Santos, Marisol Perez ( Francisco Perez), Jacqueline Ortiz ( Juan Ortiz), Maribel Ayala (Woody Duen), Rosa Cedeño ( John Bayron), Yvonne Delarosa (David Delarosa), Rebecca Ambert, Diosiel Mateo, Jacqueline Mateo, and two bonus big brothers Hector Baez, Ilde Baez. 

She is survived by her children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews, aunts & uncles as well as her mother. She is preceded in death by her father Diosiel Mateo, her two mothers Margarita Velasquez and Rosa Luisa Oliveri Arroyo, and her 3 brothers Diosiel Mateo Jr, Francisco Vega, Jaime Cedeño.

At a very young age ( 11 years Old) Marta was blessed with a wonderful special family whom she loved as her very own. Thank you guys for accepting her and loving her as a daughter and sister. 

Noemi Machado: Rest In Peace

Carmen Cambrelen, Ana Rosa, Sara Rosa, Ramon Rodriguez, Santos Garcia, Ana Oquendo 

Marta had a rare gift for making others feel seen and valued. She poured her love into her children and grandchildren, nurturing them with an abundance of affection and wisdom. Her laughter echoed through our homes, creating sweet memories we will carry forever. Her tenacity and warmth were felt by everyone who knew her. She taught us the importance of family, friendship, and perseverance. Marta was a woman who loved deeply, fought tirelessly, and gave selflessly, often putting the needs of others before her own.

Marta's legacy will live on through the lives she touched and the love she shared 

Forever in Our Hearts

You were a light that brightly shone, 

A cherished soul, our own, 

With kindness, love, and endless grace, 

In our hearts, you’ve found your place.

Through trials faced, you stood so tall, 

A loving mother, sister, friend to all. 

Your laughter echoes, your spirit soars, 

In every memory, your love endures.

Though we part, we hold you near, 

In whispered words, we’ll feel you here. 

In every sunrise, in each gentle breeze, 

Your essence lingers, and our hearts find ease.

So, farewell for now, dear mom one we adore, 

In our memories, you live forevermore. 

With every heartbeat, your love remains, 

In our hearts, your spirit reigns.

Written by: Denise Dempsey

"My dear family,

As I take this final journey, know that my love for all of you remains eternal. Each moment we've shared, every laugh and tear, has been a treasure that fills my heart with warmth. Remember the stories we've created together, the lessons we've learned, and the love we've shared. Though I may not be with you in body, my spirit will always be by your side. Carry me in your hearts, and let my love guide you through life's challenges. Cherish one another, uphold our traditions, and continue to find joy in the little things. Live boldly, forgive freely, and keep laughter alive. I have faith in each of you and trust that you will hold each other close. My love will shine through you, today and always.

With all my love, 

Marta"

Acknowledgements

The Family Of Marta W. Mateo Wishes To Express Their Sincere Gratitude For All The Prayers, Support And Kindness Shown To Them During Their Hours Of Bereavement. May God Bless Each And Every One Of You.