OXNARD - Elvida (Vida) Martinez passed away on May 17, 2023 following a long illness. Vida was born on October 22, 1959 in Ahualulco, San Luis Potosi, Mexico to Catarino & Maria Martinez. When Vida was five years old her family settled near Mettler, CA. Vida’s tremendous work ethic was developed early on by virtue of being the daughter of farmers and the second eldest of thirteen children. Growing up, she juggled school, household chores and worked part-time. Despite the many responsibilities, Vida was an exceptional student and was determined to earn a college degree and pursue a career working with children. To that end, she attended the Job Corp Program in San Jose, CA while working fulltime.

In 1981, she moved to San Diego to attend San Diego State University and completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration in 1984. Her first job after college was Program Manager at the Girls Scouts of America Headquarters in San Diego. After Vida’s mother passed away suddenly in 1985, Vida took responsibility for her youngest sister and later became the guardian to four of her siblings. Vida provided a loving home and stressed the importance of academics.

In 1993, Vida returned to SDSU to earn her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. Thereafter she relocated to Oxnard, CA where she began her career as a school psychologist for the Ventura Unified School District.
Vida’s distinguished career as an educator included positions as School Psychologist, Learning Director and Assistant Principal. In 2002, she earned the CASP Nadine M. Lambert Outstanding School Psychologist Award. She was instrumental in bringing the Restorative Justice and Response to Intervention framework to the district. She was highly dedicated to helping families and advocating for children’s education. Vida gave a voice to those that wouldn’t have been heard otherwise.

Vida was an avid reader, a deep thinker and enjoyed discussing current events. She also was an enthusiastic sports fan and her favorite teams to follow were the Lakers, Dodgers, and Chargers. Vida’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who love and miss her. Survivors include her brothers Rick, Joe, Rudy, Tito, Robert, Ram and Marco and her sisters Lidia, Juanita, Catalina, Lety, Carol, Godson and nephew Aidan, nephews, nieces and extended family. Vida was a beautiful person inside and out. She cared deeply for the people around her and made an impact on many lives. She will be forever missed.

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation in Vida’s name to Project Understanding in Ventura. Their mission is to provide resources to families in need, including tutoring. https://www.projectunderstanding.org/

Visitation and funeral will be held at Greenlawn Funeral Home Northeast located at 3700 River Blvd., Bakersfield, CA 93305. Visitation will be from 5-8 pm on Thursday, June 1st and Rosary at 6 pm. A funeral mass will be held at 10 am on Friday, June 2nd at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church located at 12300 Reina Rd., Bakersfield, CA 93312. Burial to follow at Greenlawn Funeral Home Northeast.

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