Gilda B. Martin

Gilda B. Martin

July 2, 1924 - September 29, 2022

Gilda B. Martin, our Matriarch, went home to be with the Lord at the incredible age of 98. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Thursday morning, Sept. 29, 2022. Gilda lived a full life. She was the 1st child born to John & Maria Barcelos, on July 2, 1924, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, where her father worked in the factories. 4 years later, their family moved back to Terceira, Acores where Gilda grew up, attended school, and at 16 years old met and fell in love with Bel Martin. They married in 1948. This loving marriage was blessed, and thrived for 61 years through hard work, faith, and support.

In 1950 Bel and Gilda migrated to Hanford CA, where she gave birth to their 1st born son Louie the day after arriving. Later that same year, their 2nd child, daughter Mary Marlene was born. Despite having 2 small children, she worked side by side with her husband in the dairy industry with the dream of one day owning their own dairy. Struggling with financial stress, language barriers and extending their family with the births of 3 additional children, Armand, Linda and Gabe, they achieved their goal and started their dairy business in 1956. They eventually built their own facility in 1972, known as Bel R. Martin & Sons Dairy. Gilda's strength, hard work, faith and perseverance allowed her to conquer many challenges, and tragic life experiences, with Gods help.

Both she and Bel sponsored many families from the Acores providing complimentary boarding while the families searched for housing and employment. She was loved and admired by all for her strength and pride, yet continuous humble nature. Gilda was a devout Catholic, member of St. Aloysius Church, St. Rita's Church, St. Paul's Church of Pismo Beach, St. Aloysius Altar Society, St. Anthony Celebration of Pismo Beach, Tulare County Dairy Women, Tulare County Cabrillo Club #12, Tulare Chamber of Commerce, Tulare Sister City, PFSA and Room Mother volunteer at Palo Verde School.

Her primary focus and passion were teaching her family how to treat everyone with kindness, honesty, compassion and respect for mankind. The aroma of her fabulous Portuguese cooking filled the air, utilizing all the leftovers she had, to create gourmet meals to share with family and friends. Christmas get togethers were very special to her, when the entire family gathered for a joyous occasion, sharing gifts, stories, visits from Santa, and of course, delicious meals. Gilda was always recognized for her graceful, classic and sophisticated look, always dressed to the nines. She and Bel so enjoyed their Pismo Beach home and watching sunsets together for many years.

Gilda was predeceased by her parents, John and Maria Barcelos, husband Bel, son Armand, brother Maurice Barcelos, and sister Carmen Silva from Canada. She is survived by her children, Louie (Mary), Mary Marlene (Max), Linda (Stuart), Gabe (Julianne) and daughter-in-law Liz. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Gina, Daniel, Amanda, Erika, Gary, Lisa, Cole and Blake, along with 7 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 11, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm with Altar Society Rosary at 4:00 at Miller's Tulare Funeral Home.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held on Tuesday, October 11 at 6:00 pm at St. Aloysius Church, 125 East Pleasant Avenue, Tulare.

Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Wednesday, October 12, at 10:30 am at St. Aloysius Church, followed by graveside services at Tulare District Cemetery, 900 E. Kern Avenue, Tulare.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to your favorite charity.

Arrangements are entrusted to Miller's Tulare Funeral Home.