Maria I Martins

Maria Martins ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Heritage Funeral & Cremation Service on Mar. 17, 2026.In Loving Memory of Maria Idalia MartinsMaria Idalia Martins, affectionately known as "Dalia," passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, at AdventHealth Stuart F. Meyer Hospice in Palm Coast, Florida, surrounded by her cherished family following a long and courageous battle with Dementia.Born in Calvao, Portugal, on December 29, 1952, to Osvaldo and Maria Dos Santos, Idalia immigrated to Mount Vernon, New York, with her family in 1966.Forty-seven years ago, Idalia married her beloved husband, Benjamin "Benji" Martins, in a beautiful ceremony in Mount Vernon. Together, they built a life rooted in love and a welcoming home in Putnam Lake, NY, where they raised their two daughters, Sarah and Diana. She spent many meaningful years working at the Putnam ARC, where she dedicated herself to supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities until her retirement in 2011. Her kindness and patience left a lasting impact on the many lives she touched throughout her career.In 2011, Dalia and Benji moved to Palm Coast, Florida, to enjoy their retirement together. Though Benjamin predeceased her in 2024, the legacy of the life they built remained her greatest source of pride and blessing.Dalia found great joy in the simple things: tending to her garden, the aroma of a home-cooked meal, and the comfort of long visits with family and friends. To know Dalia was to be nurtured by her-both by her cooking and her generous spirit.She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Jack Dos Santos. Her memory will be held forever in the hearts of her surviving family: her children, Sarah (Marcus) Ottermann and Diana Martins (Freddie Melendez); and her two grandchildren, Armani and Avianna Cruz, who were the light of her life. She is also survived by her many brothers and sisters, Angelino (Arminda) Dos Santos, Paul Santos (Kathy), George (Jackie) Dos Santos, Cidalia (Antonio) Da Silva, Maria Helena (Antonio) Ferreria, Georgino (Susan) Dos Santos, Carlos (Robin) Dos Santos, and Nelson (Barbara Ann) Dos Santos, along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.Family and friends are invited to gather at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Palm Coast on Thursday, March 19th. A visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Following the Mass, she will be laid to rest at San Lorenzo Cemetery in St. Augustine, Florida.The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at AdventHealth Stuart F. Meyer Hospice for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Dalia in her final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Donate | AdventHealth Foundation East Florida. Dalia's nurturing heart and gentle soul will be deeply missed by all who knew her.Heritage Funeral and Cremation is handling the arrangements.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.