Martina Tavarez
Age - 84
December 3, 2023
Martina Altagracia Tavarez, 84 of Raleigh, North Carolina passed away on Thursday, November 30th, 2023, at UNC Rex Heart & Vascular Hospital from complications related to a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement. Martina, affectionately known as "Marta" to many, was born in the town of Juncalito within the municipality of Janico, in the Santiago province of the Dominican Republic. She immigrated to the United States on December 12th, 1963, and settled in NYC. She was the fourth of fifteen children born to Genaro and Flora Collado. Hailing from humble beginnings as the daughter of a farmer, Marta began working hard and caring for younger siblings at a tender age. She often shared tales from her life--sometimes with deep sorrow, occasionally with enchanting humor, and at times with immense pride. Her stories served as invaluable lessons for her children, emphasizing empathy, compassion, optimism, determination, generosity, morality, ethics, and values. Marta was wise, creative, spirited, and driven to achieve the American dream. She set ambitious goals for herself and her family, tirelessly working to attain them. A skilled seamstress and astute businesswoman, she established three successful businesses in NY alongside her husband Francisco. She was fortunate to witness the rewards of her labor throughout her lifetime, celebrating her children's college graduations, purchasing her first home in Hempstead, NY, and eventually relocating to her dream residence in Raleigh, NC. A fiercely energetic and vibrant woman, Marta adored life and seldom remained idle. She utilized her talents to craft garments for her children and elegant event dresses for friends and relatives. She found joy in crocheting, gardening, and exploring through travel. Her culinary skills were unmatched, and she took immense pride and happiness in nourishing others. Despite her petite stature, Marta possessed a towering spirit and a contagious laugh. Her remarkably firm hugs were often remarked upon, reflecting her profound love, passionate dedication to her family, and the mutual love and respect she shared. Her profound bond with her children transcended the typical mother-child relationship. Martina is survived by her son, Roberto Antonio Tavarez, her daughter Janet Tavarez, and her grandson Lucas James Darrow. While their worlds will never be the same without her, they are dedicated to upholding her legacy and making her proud. The family will receive friends from 5-9 PM on Monday, December 4, 2023 at Bright Funeral Home, 405 S. Main St. Wake Forest, NC 27587. A Rosary will be held at 12:30 PM on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 follow by a Mass at 1 PM at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church at 520 W Holding Ave, Wake Forest, NC 27587. Burial will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park at 7501 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27612. Please visit www. brightfunerals. com to share words of comfort to the family. Bright Funeral Home is serving the Tavarez family. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Martina Altagracia Tavarez, de 84 anos de Raleigh, Carolina del Norte, fallecio el jueves 30 de noviembre de 2023 en el Hospital del Corazon y Vasos Sanguineos UNC Rex a causa de complicaciones relacionadas con un Reemplazo Transcateter de la Valvula Aortica. Martina, carinosamente conocida como "Marta" por muchos, nacio en el pueblo de Juncalito, dentro del municipio de Janico, en la provincia de Santiago de la Republica Dominicana. Emigro a los Estados Unidos el 12 de diciembre de 1963 y establecio residencia en la ciudad de Nueva York. Fue la cuarta de quince hijos nacidos de Genaro y Flora Collado. Hija de un agricultor, Marta provenia de origenes humildes. Comenzo a trabajar arduamente y a cuidar a sus hermanos menores desde muy temprana edad. A menudo compartia historias de su vida, a veces con gran tristeza y dolor, y otras con un encantador humor o gran orgullo. Sus historias sirvieron como lecciones para sus hijos sobre empatia, compasion, optimismo, determinacion, generosidad, moralidad, etica y valores. Marta era sabia, creativa, energica y tenia el deseo de vivir el sueno americano y tener exito. Se fijaba metas para si misma y su familia y trabajaba duro para lograrlas. Era costurera de profesion y una habil mujer de negocios. Abrio tres negocios diferentes en Nueva York junto a su esposo Francisco. Felizmente, pudo ver los frutos de su trabajo a lo largo de su vida. Vio a sus dos hijos graduarse de la universidad, compro su primera casa en Hempstead, Nueva York, y finalmente se traslado a la casa de sus suenos en Raleigh, Carolina del Norte. Marta era una mujer feroz, energica y vibrante que amaba la vida y rara vez se quedaba quieta. Utilizaba sus talentos para coser ropa para sus hijos y vestidos para eventos especiales para amigos y familiares. Disfrutaba tejiendo, cultivando en el jardin y viajando. Era una excelente cocinera que sentia un inmenso orgullo y alegria al alimentar a los demas. Marta tenia una risa contagiosa y, a pesar de su pequena estatura, era un gigante en espiritu que daba abrazos notablemente firmes sobre los que la gente a menudo comentaba. Amaba profundamente, vivia apasionadamente por su familia y era igualmente amada y respetada. Su fuerte vinculo y conexion con sus hijos trascendian la mayoria de las relaciones tipicas entre madre e hijo. Martina es sobrevivida por su hijo, Roberto Antonio Tavarez, su hija Janet Tavarez y su nieto Lucas James Darrow. Sus mundos nunca seran los mismos sin ella, pero estan comprometidos a vivir su legado y hacerla sentir orgullosa.Show more