Brenda Jean Martinez

Brenda Jean Martinez of Porterville, California passed away on December 14, 2017, at the age of 56.

Brenda was born November 17, 1961, to Keith and Bertha (Harms) Howden in Austin, Minnesota, one of four children.

At the age of 5, Brenda and her family moved to Strathmore, California, where she spent her youth fostering her lifelong love for animals, piano, and reading.

She attended Strathmore K-8 and graduated from Strathmore High School with the class of 1980.

After high school, Brenda worked at the local Perko’s café before enrolling and graduating from the Porterville College Psychiatric Technology program. With her certification in hand, Brenda would spend the next 33 years of her life showing compassion and care to the residents of the Porterville Developmental Center.

With her career locked in, she would go on to be married once, to Gilbert Martinez, and give birth to two sons.

Brenda will be remembered not only as a loving mother, but as a loving person. Whether you were her child, a sibling, a friend, or a new person on the block, Brenda would not hesitate to lend a helping hand or, at the very least, a sympathetic ear. Her compassion, sympathy, and personal strength was awe-inspiring, and these qualities are what leave a lasting impression on those she was closest to.

Brenda is survived by her oldest son Joshua Martinez and his wife Jasmin of Eureka, California, youngest son Jacob Martinez of Porterville, California, sister Denise Kimball of Livonia, Michigan, brother Phil Howden of Madera, CA, younger sister Janette Galli of Porterville, CA. all her nieces and nephews and finally, her faithful dog and companion, Albi.

Brenda was predeceased by her father. Six months after her passing she was followed by her mother.

A celebration of Brenda’s life will be held Saturday, July 21, 2018 at 2:00, at Myers Funeral Services and Crematory Chapel, Porterville, California.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local animal shelter or donor’s favorite charity.