Maria Francisca Martinez Mangum, lovingly known as "Tía", was called home to our Lord in Corpus Christi, TX on April 27, 2022.

Francisca was the third of nine children born to the union of the late Ruperto and Lucina Martinez in San Luis Potosí, Mexico on April 2, 1934. Francisca came to the United States in 1959 with her sister, Maria and they eventually settled in Austin, Texas. She was a talented professional seamstress and selfless caregiver for most of her life. She attributed much of her success to the love and kindness of Dr. and Mrs. Nassour, and their family.

Francisca was devoted to her Catholic faith from a young age. She gave sacrificially to those less fortunate. She had a special devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe and she offered up numerous 200-mile pilgrimages to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico.

Francisca was preceded in death by her husband of 26 years, Edward P. Mangum. She is survived by her adoptive son Javier Jesus Martinez, her sister, Maria Ascensión Martinez, brother Manuel Martinez (Carmela), her niece, Sylvia Murdock (the late Dr. Horace D. Murdock), and her nephew, Raul Martinez (Teresa). She was a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews and a doting godmother to numerous godchildren.

People were instantly drawn to Francisca. She was blessed with natural beauty and a charismatic personality. She had a sharp wit and a great sense of humor. Despite her humble upbringing, Francisca had a natural charm and she often hosted celebrities who visited the St. Edward's University campus. She was a talented artist whose artwork was displayed at the University. Francisca was a true romantic who loved to sing and, most of all, to dance.

Special gratitude to Teresa Martinez who was Francisca's loving caregiver and companion in her final years. Heartfelt thanks also to great-nieces Sarah and Maria for all of the love, care and support that they provided in Francisca's final days.

We will be celebrating the life of Francisca with a Catholic rosary at Harrell Funeral Home on May 3, 2022 at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church on May 4, 2022 at 10:00 AM, followed by burial at Assumption Cemetery.