Maria Martha Robles, kindly known to her family and friends as Martha, passed away on January 24, 2013 at the age of 72 in Long Beach, CA. She was born in Cananea, Sonora, Mexico and was the eldest daughter of Walterio Ocaño (Deceased) and Esperanza Avila Ocaño (Deceased). At the age of 14 she moved to Douglas, AZ where she graduated from Douglas High School with high honors. As a student, she was an artist and a scholar. As a young adult, she worked in various Douglas businesses before joining her sister Esperanza Molina in CA.

In California, she got married and had one daughter who survives her, Veronica Robles Scott. In 1976, she returned to Douglas, AZ. She worked again for several Douglas businesses, the last being Bank of America and the Department of Economic Security. In her work, she was fortunate to extend her family by adding many friends whom she met through school, church, and work. Her passion outside of her faith in God and work was her daughter. She was the most dedicated mother and always worked diligently to prepare her Veronica to take advantage of all the opportunities this great country offers. She was the most amazing, patient, and loving mami in the world.

She proved to be a fantastic nani too. She is survived by her beloved grandchildren Lucas Alexander Scott (7 years old) and Alessandra Cecilia Scott (3 years old). Although Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) had claimed much of her health before her grandchildren came, she did have many cherished years with Lucas and Alessandra with whom she made puzzles, played loteria, watched countless Disney movies over and over, and of course, attended many "grand" tea parties. Lucas and Alessandra were her greatest pride and joy.

Martha was one of seven children. She always honored her parents and loved her siblings very much. She had a special bond with her two sisters Esperanza Molina and Socorro Paul. They were an integral part of her life, how she experienced the world, and who she became as a person.

In the past ten years, when her (RA) had left her much less independent, her sister Socorro and niece Elizabeth Jimenez and her family stepped in and did so much of the transporting of her to the endless doctor's visits and were the first ones there during emergencies. (Trips to Tucson often involved lunch at the Red Lobster.) She was always overwhelmed and grateful for their love and sacrifice.

Martha is survived by her son-in-law Stephen Patton Scott, sisters Socorro Paul and Esperanza Molina, and brothers Guadalupe and Delfino Ocaño. She is also survived by many special and loving nieces, nephews, and friends. Martha is preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Walterio and Gaston Ocaño.

Martha was a beloved mami, daughter, sister, nani, tia and friend. She will be so missed, but we all know she is in a better place. Our dear Martha, may you rest in peace.

A memorial service will be held this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in her honor to the Prisk Foundation. Website: http://prisk-lbusd-ca.schoolloop.com/cms/page_view?d=x&piid=&vpid=1282484969844. Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover donations are accepted via the Long Beach Educational Foundation’s Website. Important: select “Other” from the “Select Designation” drop-down menu, then type “Prisk” in the “Other Designation” box.

All donations are tax-deductible. The Foundation is part of the Long Beach Educational Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. The LBEF is a California Public Benefit Corporation, tax ID #33-0357679. All funds raised by the Prisk Foundation are for the exclusive use of Prisk Elementary.

By check or mail: If you would like to write a check. Please make the check out to LBEF and in the "for" line, include in memory of Maria M. Robles. Please mail to Prisk Foundation, 2375 Fanwood Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90815