Vanessa Martinez

Vanessa Marie Martinez, 43, of Daly City, CA, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2025 at 12:46 pm after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
Vanessa was born on March 22, 1982 in Redwood City, CA to David and Genevieve Martinez. She grew up in San Francisco spending her early years with cousins under the loving care of her grandparents, John & Eutropia Dacanay and her Auntie Margie. She attended Our Lady of the Visitacion Catholic School.
Vanessa later attended South San Francisco High School where she played volleyball and was involved in cheerleading. After high school, she went on to San Francisco State University, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration.
Vanessa built a highly successful career in the tech industry as a Sales Account Executive. She was admired at work for her drive, professionalism, and gift for building genuine connections with others. On November 11, 2022, Vanessa married Don Tuazon in Cancun, Mexico surrounded by the love of family and friends. Her wedding in Cancun was one of the happiest moments of her life.
Vanessa was adventurous, always ready to travel, explore, and try something new. She loved traveling with her family - from cruises and destination vacations to camping trips and quick weekend getaways. She treasured every adventure and the memories they created together.
Growing up, Vanessa was active in volleyball, rollerblading, tennis, and swimming. She also had a deep love for makeup and fashion. She often helped her friends and younger sister perfect their makeup looks and put together unique outfits. She earned the nickname "Ms. Fashionista" for her eye-for-style and her ability to bring out beauty in others.
Vanessa also had a lifelong love for music and singing. As a young girl, she took singing lessons and performed in many recitals. She later competed in several competitions including a Filipino pageant, singing contest on a cruise ship, and even auditioned for. Karaoke was one of her favorite pastimes where she let her personality shine and expressed herself through music. Her most memorable performance was "Smooth Operator" by Sade which she proudly sang at her first family gathering - a song forever tied to her.
Vanessa also adored her cats, Milo and Nala, who were her constant companions. Milo, especially was her guardian angel - always following her, begging for her attention, and giving her love & comfort.
Vanessa will be remembered for her radiant spirit, her deep love, and the grace with which she faced life's hardest challenges. Her legacy lives on in the love, laughter, and strength she shared so freely.
She is survived by her husband, Don Tuazon; her stepsons, Donovan and Tristan Tuazon; her parents, David and Genevieve Martinez; her stepfather, Tedwin Chin; her sisters, Celeste and Monique Martinez; her stepbrother, Kenneth Chin; and her niece, Asuzena Granera.