Barbara Jean Martinez, age 67, from Newark, DE, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 31, 2024. She was born on December 6, 1956, in Hanford, CA, to the late Arthur Rhoden, and Mary (Cunningham) Rhoden.

Barbara was a private and reserved individual, but she was always aware and processing everything going on around her. She embodied the proverb: still waters run deep. She was always working in the background and whatever she did, she did with excellence. One thing she loved to do was to watch cooking shows for new recipes and ideas for her home. She came alive when she was with her family. She loved preparing meals with her “girls”. If she was asked about a recipe she would say “it’s a family secret” (even if her family asked her). If she was teaching you something and you would ask her “how in the world do you know that?”, she would say “years of experience.” She loved the gray and rainy days, and she loved her quiet times. Her greatest joy was seeing her children do well and be good people. Many years of her life were dedicated to raising them and spent day one to the very last one, loving them with all her heart in word and in action. Spending time with her husband was an ongoing source of happiness and “a safe place”. While the hopes of traveling across the US together were not fulfilled, her journey in paradise has only just begun.

We want to extend a special thanks to Dr. William Lee and Nurse Practitioner Eileen Gabrieli from the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, who joined in the battle against this sickness, up to the very last steps of her fight. Thank you for your thoughtful expertise and for managing her care with such dignity and respect. We also want to thank all of those at the Helen Graham Center who consistently asked how she was doing and offered insight and help as well as those who helped manage, coordinate, and provide her treatments.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Frank Martinez; son, Frank Aaron Martinez (Sophie); daughters: Karla Michelle Hamm (Danny), Julia Dawn Martinez, and Shanda Renee Martinez; grandchildren: Louis Ankarcrona Martinez, Alfred Ankarcrona Martinez, and Henry Ankarcrona Martinez.

At the convenience of the family, a viewing will be held privately. Burial will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Gilpin Manor Memorial Park, 198 Appleton Road, Elkton, MD 21921.