Diane Frances Martinez, 77, of St Petersburg, Florida, transitioned to Heaven on January 7, 2022.

Diane was born in 1944 to Laurence and Donna Blesie in St. Petersburg. She spent many of her childhood years living overseas in Japan and England, where her father was stationed as a pilot in the Air Force. She attended high school in Sherman, Texas, north of Dallas, where she met her future husband, Joel.

Diane graduated from St. Paul Catholic High School in St. Petersburg, Florida, in 1962. Soon thereafter, she enrolled in a convent with the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany in upstate New York before switching her life's path to medicine and children. She then earned her nursing degree from St. Petersburg Junior College in 1964 and worked as an RN at Palms of Pasadena Hospital. In 1971 she married Joel Martinez. Years later, she combined her talents as a homemaker and nurse to run a daycare for infants and preschoolers. She always had a long waiting list! Diane was an active member of St. Matthew Catholic Church in Largo. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, Bible study, and traveling.

A beloved mother and wife, she is survived by her husband of 50 years, Joel G. Martinez; her brother, Garry (Deborah) Blesie, of Palm Harbor; her daughter, Carmen (Andrew) Needham, of St Petersburg; and her son, Matthew (Jennifer) Martinez, of Palm Harbor; and four grandchildren: Russell and Leah Needham, and Aidan and Ethan Martinez.

Diane's visitation is on Wednesday, January 19, 3:00-5:00 pm, at R. Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home. Her funeral service is scheduled for Thursday, January 20, 11:00 am, at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Largo. Following Mass, all are invited to gather for a luncheon in the church hall.

The cemetery service is on Monday, January 24, 11:00 am, at Bay Pines National Cemetery.

visitation
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

R Lee Williams Funeral Home
3530 49th St N
St Petersburg
727-527-1177

funeral service/catholic mass
Thursday, January 20, 2022
11:00 am

St Matthew Catholic Church
9111 90th Ave
Largo
727-393-1288

Cemetery SERVICE
Monday, January 24, 2022
11:00 am

Bay Pines National Cemetery
10000 Bay Pines Blvd.
Bay Pines, Florida