Gilita Martinez

Gilita Martinez, age 90, passed away on November 11, 2015. She was a dedicated sister, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a wonderful example of faith and strength. Gilita was born on April 13, 1925, in Moca, Puerto Rico to Atanasio and Olivia (Soto) Lopez.

She had one brother, Miguel Lopez. She made her home in Rutland, after moving to Vermont from Brooklyn, NY in 1990. Family and friends were Gilita’s love and joy. For several years, Gilita spent the winters in Florida. She truly enjoyed her time in both Vermont and Florida. She was very active and loved being outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Alicia Cannella and her husband, Richard Cannella of Rutland; a son, Joseph Martinez of New York, NY; a sister-in-law, Carmel Lopez of Brooklyn, NY; 4 grandchildren, Veronica Martinez of New York, NY; Maureen Jackman of Litchfield, MN; Keith Cannella of Hoboken, NJ; Justin Cannella and his wife Megan of Hoboken, NJ and 5 great grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at Christ the King Church. Visitation will be held from 4PM to 6PM on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at Clifford Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The American Cancer Society and The Alzheimer Association. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Clifford Funeral Home.