Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Betsy Martinez Obituary
Betsy Martinez was widowed 10 years ago, at 23. But she worked hard to give her two daughters holiday rituals and cozy family traditions. Invariably, she celebrated with her closest friends — Janet Perez, her childhood buddy, and Janet's mother, Mercedes Padillo.
Together, Ms. Martinez and Ms. Perez and their children picked apples and pumpkins in the fall and in December gathered around the Christmas tree at Mrs. Padillo's house in Queens. On Sundays, they cruised the neighborhood crafts store, spread out the glue and lace for homemade souvenirs in Mrs. Padillo's living room, and ate her home-cooked dinner afterward.
An accounts manager at Cantor Fitzgerald, Ms. Martinez enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the trading floors and the camaraderie of the family-oriented traders and brokers, said Beatrice Gaston, her eldest sister. But she and Tony Cruz, her fiancé, a transit worker, were planning to move upstate to give the girls a gentler, greener life.
Instead, she gave Christina, 14, and Ariel, 11, a gift second only to herself: solicitous aunts, uncles and friends. Mrs. Padillo opened her home to the children and Ms. Perez and her family moved into the house next door. Last Halloween, they all drove to rural Connecticut to pick pumpkins and apples. "We wanted to keep up the tradition," Ms. Perez said.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Joanne martinez
September 11, 2019
We miss you and we love you 18 years later.
The Lucas Family
December 30, 2018
We send our deepest sympathy to your family. May God always give the strength and help needed to cope with such a sad loss. Betsy will always be lovingly remembered.
Lili
September 22, 2018
I always think about you Betsy. I remember your kind heart and bright smile. I remember about a month before 9/11 you along with Janet and Luis went to see Kiara's pageant at world trade center. I vividly remember you pointing to the top of one of the towers showing me where you worked and said "I can see the whole world from up there." PS-Kiara still has the Barbie suitcase you gave her for her 5th birthday and she will not let it go at 25 years old now. You will always be missed and always remembered.
September 13, 2018
It is an honor to remember you and your family in my prayers each 9/11. Peace be with you and with them. Tom
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
September 12, 2018
Betsy, you are missed today as though September 11, 2001, was yesterday
I think of you oftern especially when I look through my photo albums. We shared lots of memories and good times together, and you always made me feel like family, you cared for me in way that
made you a life-line to my younger self. For that reason I will always treasure the blessing that you were to me.
I know you watch out for us all and I thank you for your spiritual presence in our lives.
Beatrice Gaston
September 12, 2018
I love you sister rest in peace ♡♡♡
Tom H
September 11, 2018
Today, 09/11/2018, we remember you Betsy. We will never forget. Wishing all the best to your family and friends. Much regards.
September 11, 2015
Betsy you still alive in our hearts because you were very special friend . Lesme Morales and family
Migdalia Gaston
August 20, 2014
Hola!! You've been on my mind so much lately -- I see the number (19)and it always reminds me of my Mom and you. Hope you have found "peace" I know you feel the "love" -- that is something that you take with you, it also gives you the strength. I see "Betsy" when I see your "Girls" and your "Grandkids". I was going to light a candle, but your own "light" was always so bright and the smile on your face was always there -- I'm sure that you're one of "God's" Special Angels that can light their own way and others. I see your picture, and I see my Danessa; the first time I spotted your picture, I had to take the flyer because I couldn't get over how much she looks like you.....God Bless you and your growing family -- they're all so Bless to extend from you. I carry you in my heart....Love
S J. Friscia III
August 18, 2014
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
Karen Robinson
September 11, 2012
We Love u n We Miss u....your God-son is doing great as you can see, he's a sophomore in High School in Manhattan n Chelsea is a sophomore in College in Connecticut.
I still cry....still have the pictures of your daughters n Chelsea.
My prayers goes out 2 ur family...Love u R.I.P Betsy.
August 28, 2012
Hey Betsy, I always think about the day that we went apple picking, we had lots of fun. I remember that it was a bad apple season so the farmers wanted us to pick the apples that had fallen on the ground instead of the ones from the tree. Little did they know that we wanted to pick out apples from the trees ourselves . . after all, we were paying for the apple we picked. So... we went undercover, one of us was the lookout while the other picked and packed. We laughed mostly because we acted as if we were on 007 agents. This is so much fun, but it was also the last time I went apple picking. Here in Georgia, they have peach picking which I've never done, but when I do get around to it, I hope I have as much fun as we did. Thinking of you. Love Lili
Christina Martinez
August 15, 2012
I like to write on here sometimes because its like talking to you anyway I just wanted you to know I got Sebastian in a charter school I know you probably know this already but its really good and he loves school and he is always talking about you like he has met you before. miss you lots love you
(Grandson) First day of school 4yrs old
Sebastian Payano
August 15, 2012
BEATRICE GASTON
August 4, 2012
I LOVE YOU SISTER :)
Treva Hamlin
August 3, 2012
Betsy, I visited the 9-1-1 Memorial this summer and as I stood at the fountain I was reading the names and your name was directly in front of me. For some reason I felt drawn to take a picture of your name and I pray for your family. Though I never knew you, I want you to know that we never forget that day. I am glad to put a face with your name and will continue to keep you in my thoughts. Sincerely, Treva Hamlin
Betsy Martinez
C Martinez
September 11, 2011
My cousin Betsy. One of the sweetest human beings I've ever known. My late brother Chris also loved you & glad he took that picture of you that is shown all over the world so everyone can see that glorious smile that you graced us with whenever we saw you........
Claudio
Christina Martinez
September 11, 2011
I love and miss you so much mom you would have loved to see your crazy grandsons. I hope to be just as great a mom to him as you were to me.
Sebastian - Christina
Sebastian
September 9, 2011
Sebastian
Sebastian
September 9, 2011
September 7, 2011
Betsy,
I can't believe it's been ten years.
I look at my picture albums and realize what a huge influence you were on me...
saving me from starving when I worked in Coop during HS...
putting up pew bows on my wedding day...
Holding my first born child...
Breaking down in your presious wagon on the Whitestone Bridge...
and so many more
I see pictures of your handsome grandsons and realize you will always be with us spiritually, but forever missed physically.
God Rest Your Soul and
may he allow you to watch over your girls,grandsons,family,& friends
Love Always
Trecia Browne
Lisbeth Perez-Cox
August 4, 2011
Betsy,
I think about you all the time. Every time I see the Barbie suitcase you gave Kiara for her 5th birthday I think of you. She is now 18 and still has the bag that the zipper just broke. We will keep the bag in your memory. I remember when a month before 911 you went to see Kiara at the pageant at the Marriott by the world trade center. You refused to take a picture with Kiara, but the one thing I will always remember is when you looked up at the towers and you said “I could the whole world from up there". Amazing!! You can truly do see us. Betsy, you will live in our hearts forever.
Love
Liz, Kiara, Emmany, Keith and Brandon
BEATRICE GASTON
May 2, 2011
Well Betsy you can finally rest in peace now.
Christina Martinez
November 18, 2010
Christina & Ariel
October 30, 2010
Sebastian & Aidan
October 30, 2010
Christina & Ariel Martinez
October 30, 2010
Dear Mom,
Can you believe it you have to beautiful grandsons. Haha your a grandma. Love you Miss you lots your loving daughters
Migdalia Gaston
September 13, 2010
Dear Betsy, I watched the 9/11 Memorial, and I just couldn't stop crying. I'm still in shock of the whole day. You're still missed very much -- you're a "Grandma" -- how sad that the Baby won't know the beautiful, happy and loving Grandma. God Bless you always. Lovya, Mickey
Tom Behr
September 11, 2010
Dear Betsy, I think of and pray for you and your family every year on this day. Keep on smiling!
Tom
John Martinelli
September 10, 2010
I started at Cantor the same day Betsy did and worked next to her for a few years. Her smile and energy lit up the room always. She loved speaking of her daughters and she was a beautiful and kind person.
Gaston Sisters Summer 2001
September 10, 2009
The Familia Gaston
September 10, 2009
Doug Abraham
June 19, 2009
Happy Birthday!!!
Ariel Martinez 18th Birthday
December 10, 2008
Migdalia Gaston
September 11, 2008
I still can't believe that you're gone, the sadness of your unexpected departure is very over whelming. I pray every day that you're resting and at peace. May God's blessings and grace embrace you're beautiful family, always.
Love always Migdalia
Janine Salas-Mason
September 10, 2008
Betsy, your bright smile is in my heart always. I just think of you and I have to fight back tears. Sometimes tears of happiness thinking of a moment we shared, sometimes tears just because I miss hearing your voice and your spontaneous laugh. I love you and will always remember, not just this week because of 911 functions, but all year through. The memory of you will live in my heart forever.
Doug Abraham
June 19, 2008
Happy Birthday!!!
Ligia Sanchez
November 19, 2007
I when to high school with her and also night school, I really don't know where to begin but to say to her daughter "everyday gets a little better" she will guide you thru the hardest time and in her love you will find comfort.
tracy zweig
September 24, 2007
betsy
this is tracy i was thinking about you and wanted to say i know your daughter she is amazing and i love her she is lucky to have had you as her mother and if you could see her now you would not be able to stop smiling at how far she has come
Love all the martinez family members.
tracy zweig
Katrina Black-Watkins
September 11, 2007
Six years have passed since this awful tragedy, but Betsy is not forgotten. I only met Betsy once when she came to visit Bea in College. I just remembered that she was a bright light. Francis, Bea, and her girls, and numerous family and friends, my thoughts and prayers are still with you for strength. God Bless You!
JANINE SALAS-MASON
September 11, 2007
Betsy,
It is with a heavy heart that I miss you but with a smile that I remember you. We had sooo many good times together. I love you and I will never forget you Betsy.
Doug Abraham
June 19, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
P Tabbernor
December 25, 2006
In memory....
Kristine
November 15, 2006
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Veronica Spears
October 31, 2006
To the family of Betsy Martinez,I didn't know your angel but my sympathy and prayers are with you. When I saw her picture it grab my attention.She truly looks to be an angel.And to her precious girls just think of the love your mother have for you and it will see you though. God bless you. She's a beautiful woman and there's something about her in this photo that's vey special.Girls your still in good hands, because now you have your on personal angel at your side. Be sweet
Tom
September 14, 2006
Dear Martinez family,
I picked your Betsy to honor for the 2996 memorial project on my blog--mainly because I have a sister named Betsy.
You have a beautiful family, with a wonderful example in Betsy of grace, cheerfulness and determination to look to for inspiration.
Don't be sad, girls, but be good like your Mama would want.
God bless.
Migdalia Gaston
September 12, 2006
Hi, Sweetie! It's five years since that awful day - one to never be forgotten. I can't believe that I never knew you and my mom shared the same birthday, of course, many years apart. I see your picture and stay amazed at how much you and my Dee look so much alike. I know you're with your mom and maybe also mine, but know for sure that you will always be in my heart, never forgotten. I'm sorry of your tragic end. I love you and may God's embrace give you peace and comfort...may his Grace embrace your daughters for you.
Lovya always, Titi Mickey
FIDEL FIGUEROA
September 11, 2006
i still cant believe for what happen 5 years ago and worst of all of this is losing my cousin Betsy. Betsy, we all love you and you always will be in our prayers and our heart. One day we all will be together in Heaven with you. God bless you always....Fidel and Len
Wanda Figueroa
September 11, 2006
Rest In Peace Besty.
It's been hard for us to forget that you are no longer with us.
It's been 5 long and hard years for us and the memory of you still live on...
Wanda Figueroa,
Ricardo Rivera,
Felix Figueroa
Omary Rivera
Cynthia Figueroa
Thomas Figueroa
Danessa Gaston
September 11, 2006
Sept 11, 2006 has made the 5 year mark since you have pasted. Watching the memorial service today had me very emotional. The good thing about all of this is that all the victims who died with you are in Gods hands and became Angels watching over us. Betsy you are an Angel and I am sure you are watching over us. I love you and God Bless you forever.
Love your cousin
eric lockovitch
September 6, 2006
I will be reading Betsy's name this year on 9/11. I want to understand the story behind each name I read. I know how it feels to hear their name read that day. Ann Nelson, my girlfriend, worked at Cantor also.
Loren Messina
June 27, 2006
Dear Betsy,
Happy belated birthday in heaven!!! Sorry im so late. I still miss you just as much as I did the day you were taken from us. I will always say a prayer for you and the girls.
Love always
Loren.
Beatrice Gaston
June 19, 2006
Dear Betsy,
I want to wish you a very Happy Birthday in Heaven. I'll love you forever.
You sister Beatrice
Paola Rojas
September 11, 2005
It has been four years now, and it even hurts more now than that horrible day. May your soul rest in peace. Surely your smile and your charisma is missed. God bless you for all the good memories . Be the light that guides the live of your children. Rest in peace .
Love Paola
Danessa Gaston
September 11, 2005
Wow today September 11, 2005...............Its been four years and I just can't believe it. Everyday i think of you and you will always be in my heart. Its weird how I show everyone a picture of you and how amazed they are because we looked so much alike. Well I just wanted you to know that you are well remembered and everyone misses you dearly.
love your cousin
This a picture of the Gaston Family today. As you can see we are together & strong. We love you Betsy!!!
Beatrice Gaston
August 16, 2005
this is me of those of you who knew my mother
Christina Martinez
May 15, 2005
thank you everyone for signing the guess book and paying your respects thank you to those of whom have writtin in here and dont even know my mother she was a very strong lady and i know she thanks you for looking after my sister and i when she passed i miss you and love u always your #1 daughter Christina
Paola Rojas
September 11, 2004
It has been three years since your departure but I will never forget your smile. May your soul rest in peace and just be light that guides your children. You are missed.
Paola Rojas
CBP Officer
Loren Messina
September 8, 2004
Dear Betsy, now it will almost be 3 long years since I last saw you or heard your laugh. I thought things might be easier but I was very wrong. I still miss you so much it hurts sometimes. You were such an incredible person. Christina and Ariel if you read this please contact me I can not seem to get in touch with you and I miss you two as well. Betsy I will always keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Love Always
Loren.
Cherie
July 3, 2004
I did not know Besty, but just wanted to wish all of God's blessings to her little girls.
Your mother smiles on you from above.
Much love!
Christiane
March 2, 2003
Warum ?
Warum müssen soviele Kinder so sinnlos ihre geliebten Mütter und Väter verlieren ?
Ich bete für Fam. Martinez und all
´die anderen traurigen Kinder ...
Betsy Martinez
September 15, 2002
I went last wednesday to a remembrance at church for the september 11 catastrophe. At the end of the ceremony my sister walked me to the list of the people that lost their lives on that day. I was surprised and shocked when I saw my name in there. I was curious and got today into the internet to find out more about this person. Betsy, I feel so sorry that you had to go thru that experience. My heart reaches out to you and to your family. I read the other's peoples letters on this guest list and it is obvious that you were a unique and very special person. I hope that you are right now next in God's heaven. May God bless your soul and your family.
J. Deane
September 11, 2002
To the family of Betsy Martinez:
I never knew this young lady or had ever seen her picture before today. This afternoon, while browsing through the memorials, my 3 year old son made me stop at the picture of Betsy to say "oooh, she's pretty Mommy."
May your pain ease over time.
May your memories never falter.
God bless & keep you all.
Paola Rojas
September 11, 2002
Betsy may you rest in peace, and all I can tell you is that wherever you are it was a pleasure knowing you, and I have the greatest memories of you, we were not close friends but it would have been a priviledge to be your friends.Rest in peace and God bless you. you have a spot in my heart, and I will always remember you, your smile and charisma. Love Paola
Bridgette Martinez
September 11, 2002
Ms. Martinez-
I never knew you for I am not a family member or friend. Just a girl in Arizona who happens to share the same last name. My prayers are with your daughters and other family members.
R Harrison
September 11, 2002
I don't know you, I've never met you, and I have never seen your face until today. I just want to say that I am sorry for what you had to endure, and I pray that God blesses your family with strength that will last until they see you again.....
Melissa Cruz
September 10, 2002
I can't believe it's been a year since we saw you last @ Brendan's party. It was not the same this year without you, your teasing, laughter and big smile. Though we know you were at Brendan's party this year, you were still missed. You will always be in our hearts and memories.
ZORAIDA SEDA
August 21, 2002
I DON'T KNOW HOW TO BEGIN EXCEPT TO SAY THAT I MISS YOU AND SOMETIMES HAVE A HARD TIME BELIEVING THAT I WON'T SEE YOU AGAIN. THIS REALLY BOTHERED ME UNTIL ONE NIGHT I HAD A DREAM THAT I WAS SAYING GOODBYE TO SOME FRIENDS AND THERE YOU WERE. AND I CLEARLY REMEMBER YOU TELLING ME THAT I DIDN'T HAVE TO SAY GOODBYE TO YOU. I WILL ALWAYS CARRY THE MEMORY OF THAT DREAM IN MY HEART BECAUSE NOW I UNDERSTAND THAT I DON'T HAVE TO SAY GOODBYE. I BELIEVE WITH ALL OF MY HEART THAT YOU'RE IN HEAVEN WATCHING DOWN ON US.THANK YOU FOR BEING MY FRIEND AND MAKING MY CHILDHOOD THE BEST THAT ANYONE COULD HOPE FOR. I WON'T SAY GOODBYE, INSTEAD, I MISS YOU AND I'LL SEE YOU LATER. MAYBE WHEN WE MEET AGAIN WE CAN PLAY COPS AND ROBBERS LIKE WE DID THE FIRST DAY WE MET AND THIS TIME I'LL TIE YOU TO A TREE.
YOUR ARE FOREVER IN MY HEART
LOVE,ZOQUY
Beatrice Gaston
May 14, 2002
My dear sister Betsy,
I will love you always. My life is not the same since that fateful day. My heart & soul ache for you. Our family is not the same without you.
Angie Campbell
May 6, 2002
May God Bless you and keep you always. Rest in his loving peace forever more.
LOREN MESSINA
March 15, 2002
BETSY, TODAY I AM THINKING OF YOU AND MISSING YOU HORRIBLY. IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME YOU BECAME LIKE A SECOND MOTHER TOO ME, EVEN WHEN I WAS GOING THROUGH A VERY HARD TIME IN MY LIFE, YOU TOOK TIME AWAY FROM WORK TO TAKE ME OUTSIDE BY THE WATER AND TOLD ME EVERYTHING WOULD BE OK. I WILL FOREVER REMEMBER YOUR SMILE AND YOUR LAUGH. I HAVE A PICTURE UP OF YOU AT WORK TO LOOK AT YOU WHEN CERTAIN PEOPLE HERE ARE GETTING ON MY NERVES TO MAKE ME SMILE. I WEAR A BRACELET WITH YOUR NAME ON IT EVERYDAY, SO YOU ARE NEVER FAR AWAY FROM ME. BETSY YOU HAVE TOUCHED MANY LIVES AND I FEEL HONORED TO HAVE KNOWN YOU AND HAD THE CHANCE TO BE YOUR FRIEND. YOU WERE BY FAR THE BEST SUPERVISOR ANYONE COULD EVER ASK FOR. GOD TOOK YOU EARLY BECAUSE HE WANTED ANOTHER ANGEL AROUND HIM.
HOLD MY PLACE FOR ME AND I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN. I LOVE YOU
LOVE YOU FOREVER AND ALWAYS
LOREN, AKA MONKEY!
Danessa Gaston
March 11, 2002
Dear Betsy, Even though we haven't seen much of each other the time we did I treasured every moment that we had together. I miss you dearly and wished the best for everyone to be able to overcome this tradegy that had occurred. I hope you are happy up in heaven with God and his Angels and is watching down on all of us. Love you with all my heart.
Danessa your cousin
March 1, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS LOVELY WOMAN..BETSY MARTINEZ AND MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..MAY JESUS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN..AMEN
Kris Martinez
February 9, 2002
Betsy:
Your smile will always remain with me. Even though we haven't seen one another in a long while, I know that we were still connected because when we would see one another, it was like we saw one another yesterday. There was never a moment that I ever saw you angry, always smiling that wonderful sunshine. We love you and cherish your memory.
Kris
Jose (Gui) Quintana
January 24, 2002
I knew Betsy because her father, Luis, married my aunt. Thus, she became my step-cousin. Though we usually saw each other only on parties or school functions she definitely made a great impression on me. Betsy had the biggest smile you could see on anyone. It would simply light up a room and it would definitely improve your mood. I wish the best for her two daughters, Christina and Ariel.
I lost my two brothers, Felix and Ivan Vale, in the same attack. Betsy, I hope that you are all together up there and look over your family. You will all be missed.
Betsy, I will never forget you. Rest in Peace. Love , Gui
Jackie G
January 14, 2002
I miss you titi
Teresa Jahn
December 23, 2001
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
JACKIE CASTILLO
November 4, 2001
TO BETSY'S FAIMLY, I WORKED AT 1 WTC ON THE FIRST FLOOR AND WOULD ISSUE BETYS HER PASS WHEN SHE FORGOT IT. WE BECAME FRIENDS BECAUSE I WOULD TEASE HER WHEN SHE DID FORGOT HER PASS. ALL I HAD TO DO WAS SEE HER COMING MY WAY, SHAKE MY HEAD AND TEASE HER. BETSY WAS A SWEET, WARM PERSON AND I AM SORRY FOR THE SORROW THAT HAS BEEN BROUGHT YOUR WAY. JACKIE
Showing 1 - 81 of 81 results
Make a Donation
in Betsy Martinez's name
How to support Betsy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Betsy Martinez's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored