Obituary
Guest Book
1990
2012
Maria Isabel Barajas-Martinez, 21
Activist & Student
"May The Work I've Done, Speak For Me."
Maria Isabel Barajas-Martinez, 21, passed away in a weather related traffic accident on June 24th, 2012.
She has spread her wings like a butterfly & flown home to the heavens above. She will greatly be missed by family & friends, for she touched many hearts in the short, but well lived, span that was her life. Her smile was radiant & her laugh was contagious. She was always on the go & was always working for others in a way that will be greatly remembered.
She was born into a migrant worker family on October 26th, 1990 in Bartow, FL, and was raised in Auburndale.
She graduated with high honors from Lake Region High School in 2009, where she was also the president of the National Spanish Honor Society. She went on to pursue her education at Polk State College and was well on her way to becoming a pediatrician. While attending PSC, she also joined the local chapter of Students Working for Equal Rights. In May, 2010 she founded the Young American Dreamers which is a youth group dedicated to community service. Thru Y.A.D. she focused on raising funds to provide scholarships for high school students seeking a higher education. Additionally, Y.A.D. adopted the Lake Blue Park in Winter Haven where they participated in planting flowers & trees during its construction, as well as cleaning it up periodically. Y.A.D. also participated in the yearly MLK Jr Parade in Winter Haven. She was a volunteer at Angels Care in Eloise & at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. She organized her friends & family to participate in the yearly National Kidney Foundation "Kidney Walk" around Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland. She was a mentor at Snively Elementary & tutored others in reading. She was an avid activist in the Pro-Life, DREAM Act, & Immigration Reform movements. She participated weekly at the Knee-A-Thon Pilgrimage from Sebring, FL to Washington D.C. in the spirit of putting faith into practice as true Christian. She was a member of the Youth Choir & Youth Group at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Mission in Wahneta. She was blessed to have found her soul mate, whom she married on November 12, 2011. She is survived by him, Enrique Martinez (23) of Winter Haven, whom she proudly supported with all his activities as a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.
She is survived by her maternal grandfather, Guadalupe De La Rosa & his wife Hilda De La Rosa of Wauchula, FL. Her parents: Hilario & Maria Barajas of Auburndale, FL. Her In-Laws: Jose Javier Flores & Justa Martinez of Yakima, WA. Preceded by her brother, "Baby Juan Carlos", laid to rest in Mercedes, TX. Surviving brothers: Juan Calderon of Seffner, FL, John Malady of Windsor, SC, Juan Gerardo Barajas of Spring Hill, FL, Juan Gabriel Barajas of Texas City, TX, & Daniel Barajas of Auburndale, FL. Surviving sister: Norma Barajas de Connor of Huntsville, AL. She had 3 nieces & 2 nephews. Paternal uncles: Valentin, Pedro, & Tomas Barajas, all of Auburndale, FL. Paternal aunt: Maria Trejo of Auburndale, FL. Maternal uncles: Roy De La Rosa of Bradenton, FL, Ramon De La Rosa of Bowling Green, FL, Santos De La Rosa of Sebring, FL. There are many more countless family members across the United States & reaching as far as Mexico. Special dedication to Heather Ryder, lifelong friend & sister.
Visitation is Wednesday, June 27, 2012 from 6pm to 9pm at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home, 2198 K-Ville Avenue, Auburndale, FL. A Mass of Christina Burial will be held Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 9:00am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Mission, 2150 Bomber Road, Wahneta, FL. Burial to follow in Glenn Abbey Memorial Gardens, 2200 K-Ville Avenue, Auburndale, FL.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
February 19, 2013
Deborah de Santos
RIP, Maria - you will be greatly missed
February 19, 2013
Cynthia
July 12, 2012
Dianna Lyons
I was so sad to hear of Maria's untimely death. My heart aches for Hilario, Maria and the entire Barajas family of whom I have so many treasured memories.
Peace, love & justice,
Dianna Lyons
July 9, 2012
Ely Santibanez
It's been a few days and I still find it very hard to believed u are not here anymore :( Se te extrana!!!
July 5, 2012
Yeah though I walk thru the valley of death, I will fear no evil/
July 2, 2012
Martin Ocampo
One of my heros has past. But she has not left. She leaves behind her wonderful husband Enrique, her hard working group The Young American Dreamers and all she has done to make our community better. She is missed
June 30, 2012
Jeana Crow
My deepest prayers go out to your famliy, we will miss you. i didnt have the plesure of knowing you very well but as much as i did i kmnow that you were a very sweet girl and we will miss you dearly. we all know your looking down on us from heaven!! we love and miss you
June 30, 2012
Joe De La Rosa
Our deepest condolences to all the family. our thoughts and prayers are with you.May God give you peace and understanding as to why we have to go though such suffering. Only He has the answer. May she rest in peace.
June 29, 2012
Idalia Andaverde, Anciso
Our prayers go out to our Florida family. I did not have the pleasure of getting to meet Maria Isabel. She touched so many lives as I read the obituary. Such a beautiful, lovely, bright and outgoing young lady. Maria will be greatly missed. She was called to serve the Lord and will be greatly missed by her friends and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless You all.
June 29, 2012
We Love You. Thank you for continuing to watching out for us from Heaven as you did while you were here on Earth. Earth. We know you are smiling with that Beautiful smile down on us. Love Tio Lupin/Santos
June 28, 2012
Tio Mario & Georgia de la Rosa
If Tears Could Build A Stairway
Author: Unknown
If tears could build a stairway,
and memories a lane.
I would walk right up to Heaven
and bring you back again.
No farewell words were spoken,
No time to say "Goodbye".
You were gone before I knew it,
and only God knows why.
My heart still aches with sadness, and secret tears still flow.
What it meant to love you -
No one can ever know.
But now I know you want me
to mourn for you no more;
To remember all the happy times
life still has much in store.
Since you'll never be forgotten,
I pledge to you today~
A hollowed place within my heart
is where you'll always stay.
June 28, 2012
Karla
We will all miss you here on Earth, but we're happy you will be in Heaven shining down on us every day... I'll never forget you girlie! And thanks for being such a great example for Carlitos and Mayrita...
June 28, 2012
Marilyn feliciano
So young and beautifull, your time here on earth was too short but now you are in heaven with our heavenly father and I bet you will be helping out up there doing great things like youve done in all your short years on this earth. Peace and love god bless your family and to your family just remember that she is in good hands now with our heavenly father. God Bless.
June 28, 2012
Tommy Wilbourn
our prayers are with you. love.
June 28, 2012
Charlene McCormick
You and your family have my deepest sympathy in the passing of your little girl (even though she was grown she will always be your little girl). I will think of you and her each time I walk past her resting place on my walk each night. We will always have a guardian angel watching over us.
June 28, 2012
Marty Hill
I do not know you, but I send you my deepest sympathy. I am so very sorry for your loss. May she walk among the stars and light the heavens for the rest of us.
June 28, 2012
Paul & Jackie Locke
With deepest sympathy for your loss. Prayers for your family.
June 28, 2012
Flormarina Aguirre
Te conosi en grupo de jovenes ace mucho tiempo, fuieste una muchacha llena de alegria . :) & ahora sabemos todos que estas en in mejor lugar, junto a Dios .
All prayers go to the Baraja & Martinez family . REST IN PEACE ISABEL.
June 28, 2012
marisol Aguirre
May God Bless the family of this wonderful angle!!! Our prayers are with the family Barajas
June 28, 2012
Anselmo and Nydia Salazar
Our condolences to yout family. What a bright, wonderful, and caring young woman. Heaven has truly received one remarkable angel.
June 28, 2012
Guillermo & Ivette Reynoso
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. May your heart and soul find peace and comfort.
June 28, 2012
Charlsey Dyer
Words cannot describe how much I will miss seeing your smiling face. It seems like yesterday that we had the first Y.A.D. Meeting and talked about your wedding. I will forever cherish the conversations we had, and the jokes and love we shared. Thank you for being an example of a life well lived.
June 28, 2012
Sylvia Sanchez
No words can ever express how much loved one meant to us ... i knw Daniel spoke frm the heart about how much Isabel meant to ur family and the community. She will be missed but never forgotten as a kind, compassionate soul. Our sincere condolences to Enrique, Mr & Mrs Barajas, Daniel and all the family .... in all always Praise our Lord. <3
June 27, 2012
Ricardo De la Rosa
Un abrazo grande a mis tios Hilario y Maria, sentimos mucho la partida de Isabel. Aunque hace tiempo no los vemos siempre estan en nuestra memoria. Estamos en oracion con ustedes. Fam. De la Rosa Flores
June 27, 2012
Anna Sancruzado
Isabel,
I still find it very hard to believe you are gone… You will truly be missed but never forgotten. You have done great things for your community and have accomplished so much. Your memory will live on in everyone's heart! A butterfly signifies “a new beginning” now you will begin your new life up in heaven!We love you!
June 27, 2012
Lydia Riojas-Ott
Maria & Hillario, So sorry to hear of your daughter's passing. I am so very sorry I never got the chance to meet her. Please know that you, your family and Maria's husband & his family are all in my prayers. God Bless you all. (Daughter of Jose & Cuca Riojas)
June 27, 2012
Tammy Uribe
You will always be in our hearts Isabel may you rest in pease sweet girl.
June 27, 2012
sofia mondragon
R.I.P Isabel Barajas-Martinez
You will forever live in our hearts
June 27, 2012
Juliana Russell
Hi izzy. I don't know u but I heard about u from Daniel. He was soo proud of u. May u spread ur wings like a butterfly that u are. N rest up high on the mountain n watch ur family n friends from heaven. Have fun up there in those golden gates with the father. (Lord).
June 27, 2012
sofia mondragon
You will truly be missed Isabel you will forever live in the hearts of the people you touched May you r.i.p sweet angel.. my prayers and thoughts are with the Barajas nd Martinez family ... with love sofia mondragon
June 27, 2012
sofia mondragon
I knew you very little but everytime i seen you you had a smile on your face .. you were a beautiful person in nd out you will truly b missed by everyone .. may you rest in peace sweet angel ..with lots of love nd respect sofia mondragon
June 27, 2012
To the Parents of Maria, I have heard so much about you from your brother Santos. I know where your daughter obtained her spirit of kindness toward manking - from the two of your. The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi truly fits Maria. May God continue to comfort you through these times.
Isaiah 57:1-2.
Those who walk uprightly enter into peace.
Lauretta Brice Stephens, Sebring, FL
June 27, 2012
Angela Knipfer
You were a great person that is truly going to be missed. You inspired so many people. Heavens got an amazing angel. RIP from Angie,Jesse, Heather, Shelby n George, Winter Haven, Fla.
June 27, 2012
leona norris
To the Barajas-Martinez families, all of you are in my Prayers, I'm very sorry for your Loss of a beautiful young Lady, She is an ANGEL now GOD BLESS all of you to get thru this tough time. Leona Norris. aka mama d
June 27, 2012
Enedina Campos
Maria Isabel,your life was so full of joy and wounder and from what see and hear about you,you were an awsome dauther,sister and friend.you are truley a great loss to everyone around you.Isabel you and your family have been in my prayer since I heard about this monday.Since you were such a sweet and good person I know you are resting quitely with our Lord.
June 27, 2012
Joelia Dominguez
You will be missed .
June 27, 2012
Donna Miranda
Isabel- I will never understand why beautiful, kind-spirited people like you have to go. You are one of the rare who genuinely care about people, for people, and for the community. You didn't just care but you acted. Few are brave enough to do this, but you went against societies malignant ways... God Bless You and your Family and peace be with you and all who are suffering from your loss. You are an inspiration.--Donna.
June 27, 2012
Robert Higgins
Isabelle was truly an angel and will be missed. She is truly a saint taken too early from us here on earth. Our Lord has other things that he wants Isabelle to do for him in heaven.
June 27, 2012
Crystal Alvarez
My sincere condolences to the Martinez and Barajas family, I had the honor of meeting Maria when she worked at KFC always a joy to have around, her smile could brighten anyones day. Truly an amazing indivdual, worked and stood for what she believed. She will truly be missed but will never be forgotten.
No farewell words were spoken, no time to say good-bye. You were gone before I knew it and only God knows why.
My heart still aches in sadness and secret tears still flow, what it meant to lose you, no one will ever know.
June 27, 2012
Tasheena Aguilera
I am a Corporal in the United States Marines and it kills me that I can not be there! I've known Izzy from Church and school. She was such an inspiration. You will truly be missed love. I just wish I could be there to say good-bye.
June 27, 2012
Carmen Torres
No hay palabras para aliviar el dolor de esta perdida. There are no words to alleviate this loss.
June 27, 2012
Hannah Nguyen
Izzy,
You have truly been an inspiration to all of us and we will truly miss you!
Our prayers are with you and your family!
June 27, 2012
Erin Martin
My thoughts and prayers are with this beautiful young lady's family and friends. Rest in peace Isabel.
June 27, 2012
Eli Sandoval
I will miss you dearly izzy, I will always remember your warm smile and outgoing personality. I'm very honored to have you not only as a good friend but an outgoing cousin. Your life was cut short but during the time you are here with us, you touched many lives. I know I wills see you again one day again.
June 27, 2012
Crystal Millett
I was blessed to have met Maria a few years ago when she founded Y.A.D. She has been and will remain an inspiration in my life as I passed along her positive outlook of life to my daughter who at the time was 12. If we all could only live life through Maria's eyes then so much more would be accomplished. Much love, thoughts, and prayers to you all.
June 27, 2012
Maria Quintero
I am deeply sorry to the Barajas-Martinez family for their loss. Izzy was such an inspiration. Her work leaves all of us with great and fond memories. Thank you Lord for having sent such a sweet angel.
June 27, 2012
Rachel Aguilera
She was a shining star that is now one of God's angels helping to guide others as she did in life. She will be missed and admired by all she touched in her much too short life. My prayers and deep regrets go out the family in their time of grief.
June 27, 2012
Zailet Suri
Remember Me
Remember me when flowers bloom early in the spring
Remember me on sunny days in the fun that summer brings
Remember me in the fall as you walk through the leaves of gold and in the wintertime
Remember me in the stories that are told
But most of all remember each day, right from the start I will be forever near for I live within your heart
June 27, 2012
Brian Blankenship
My heart aches for the Barajas family and what you are going through. I grew to know Isabel as she visited family here in Alabama every summer. No words can express my sorrow. Rest in peace you beautiful soul.
June 27, 2012
Jocabeth Chavez
May God give the Barajas family the strenght to get pass the pain of loosing such an amazing young lady, did not have the pleasure to meet her, but I did hear great tales of her throught her brother Daniel who was very proud of her. God bless her soul that is now resting but will never be forgotten.
June 27, 2012
Ely Santibanez
Mis mas y sentido pesame para toda la familia y esposo. Es increible todo lo k esta pasando pero con la Ayuda de Dios espero les de la paz para seguir adelante. Isabel sera extranada por todos los k llegamos a conocerla y escuchar una cargajada suya k contagiaba. Espero algun dia volvernos a encontrar en el lugar donde se k estas, EL Cielo, pork eres un angel! We will miss you Izzy!
June 27, 2012
SYLVIA SANCHEZ
The Lord gives strength to his people, the Lord blesses his people with peace ~Psalm 29:11 Our sincere condolences for the passing of your butterfly ... I didnt know her in person but I knew her thru Daniel ... He was so proud of his lil sister. I know no words expressed can ever bring her back ... We send our love and respect to your family and her husband Enrique. Keeping you in prayer for comfort, peace and strength.
June 27, 2012
Nancy Olvera
May she REST IN PEACE!
June 27, 2012
Daniel Barajas
I miss you...
June 26, 2012
Connie Hill
Dear Hillario and Maria. We can not begin to tell you how sorry we are to hear of the passing of Isabel. Such a beautiful and happy spirit she is! We have watched her grow up right before our eyes, and it was like watching a beautiful flower bloom. You will be in our thoughts and prayers today and for many days to come. Always here for you. Love and peace to you all. Fred and Connie Hill
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