Antonia "Toni" Martin

Antonia “Toni” Martin, an educator and pillar of the Ukiah community, passed away due to congestive heart failure on Saturday, June 24th, 2023.

Toni was born in Ganado, Texas on March 2, 1938 to Alberto Martinez and Florinda Reyes de Martinez. She moved to Ukiah in 1958 with her husband Francisco “Frank” Martin Jr. where they raised their four children, Jessie Martin, Diana Martin Eazell, Mina Martin Kvasnicka, and Raquel Martin Hale.

Toni worked at Nokomis, St.Mary’s, Yokayo and Redwood Valley School where she was known as “Mrs. Martin”. Starting off as a volunteer, her aptitude and passion for teaching would lead her to pursue higher education and an official career in teaching. She was not only an educator, but a powerful advocate for the Latino community in Mendocino County. Toni was well-known for her philanthropy. She taught Ballet Folklorico, organized fundraisers and events for the community, led youth groups, helped with Friends Who Care, sang in the choir and was an active member of her church. She was also one of the founders of Nuestra Casa, a family center which offered assistance to Mexican families with everything from homework and language services, to providing aid for applications of citizenship. Toni used her gift for cooking as a form of service to the community, and a means of bringing people together. Many events and organizations she was proud to be a part of included the Concillio Latino Americano, Miss Mexican Mendocino, Reflectiones, the foreign exchange program, dia de los Muertos, youth summer camps, El Equipo Consejo Pastoral, Plan Vacacional, Castillo, The Follies, and Via Cruses just to name a few.

One of her proudest moments was when she was awarded the first ever Ukiah Hispanic Heritage Month Award from the City of Ukiah in September of 2021.  This was a huge honor for Toni because the City acknowledged her for what she believed in and celebrated the many achievements and contributions made by Hispanics including our local heroes.

Not only did she have a passion for her church and community she also loved to garden, cook, bake, walk, do yoga, absolutely loved to dance, and more importantly she always made time to spend with her friends and family.

Toni’s immediate family includes, Jesse Martin, Diana Eazell (Steve Eazell), Mina Kvasnicka (Eric Romandia) Raquel Hale (Chris Hale) and her grandchildren, Eric Martin (Audrey Scott), Allison Martin, Trista Eazell, Alisa Kvasnicka ( Jediah Lightner)  Kara Kvasnicka ( Ryan Parra), Kyle Hale ( Chris Brennan) Shelby Hale, Ellie Hale, Lexie Hale. 

Toni’s love for her family and community was her calling. We cannot hope to sum up in words her countless accomplishments. Her boundless generosity and selflessness have touched the lives of all who had the honor of knowing her. Her absence will be felt deeply, but her kindness and love will live on in our hearts. 

In Toni’s words “we all should aspire to live a life full of love, laughter, kindness, respect and faith”.