SISTER CAMILLE MARTINEZ OSF

Franciscan Sister Camile Martinez entered eternity in the early morning hours of Thursday, August 6^th at Marian Convent in Santa Maria, California. Born on April 11, 1935, in Los Angeles to Antonio Martinez and Maria (Medina Bravo) Martinez, she was baptized “Dolores” at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in San Jose, California. She had three brothers: Pete, William, and Art; and five sisters: Santos, Matiana, Juanita, Socorro and Antonia. In 1962 she entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity at Mount Alverno in Redwood City, California, professing first vows on August 19, 1965. She received the religious name, Camille. Her early years of ministry were in the healthcare field at St. Francis Hospital in Lynwood, CA and for two years in Guaymas, Mexico, where the Franciscan Friars operated a clinic. In 1978 she received a license as a cosmetologist and practiced her skills as a beautician in East Los Angeles. Returning to the healthcare arena, she was a patient representative and Spanish language interpreter at Marian Medical Center in Santa Maria, California from 1985 to 1997. In 1998 she moved to Mount Alverno in Redwood City and ministered in pastoral care at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Palo Alto, California until 2002. The following ten years she lived with her extended family in Porterville, California, taking care of the daily needs of some of her relatives, especially her parents. In November of 2023 she moved to Marian Convent in Santa Maria with Rudy and spent many hours taking care of the plants on the property.

Sister Camille had a special affection for Chihuahuas. Her most recent one was Rudy whom she rescued from the streets of Sacramento. Taking him on daily walks gave her the opportunity to know all her neighbors. For the many years she lived in Sacramento, she worked in various capacities at the free healthcare clinic called Clara’s House, founded by Sister Kathy Wood, another Franciscan Sister with a heart for the poor and underserved. She was often in the lobby, extending a warm welcome to all those seeking medical care.

Sister Camille was often described as “gentle” and “kind”; however, she could also be firm and was able to calm any chaos with a firm word. Her Spanish speaking skills were most helpful for many who came to the clinic.

Her niece, Mariana Lopez, said of her: “Aunt Honey, has lived her life caring for others and is compassionate, selfless and truly lives up to Matthew 25.”

The Vigil service will be Monday, August 24^th, at 6 pm at Marian Convent in Santa Maria, California. Mass of the Resurrection will be the following day, Tuesday, August 25^th at 11 am in the same location. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Sacramento, per her wishes.

Donations to honor her memory can be made to Clara’s House in Sacramento, 2700 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95816

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