Catalina Ortiz

Catalina Ortiz, age 94, passed away with her family by her side on Saturday morning, November 16, 2024, in Topeka.

She was born the daughter of Ascension B. and Benita (Aguilar) Juarez on November 21, 1929, in Valley Falls, KS. Catalina married Martin Z. Ortiz, Sr., on August 17, 1946, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Topeka. Together, they shared 43 years of marriage before Martin’s passing on June 27, 1990.

Catalina was of the Catholic faith and a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. In past years, she enjoyed volunteering for the Fiesta Mexicana. She loved to dance, listen to music, especially Spanish/Mexican music, sing, cook, and playing the slot machines at the casino. You could find her watching wrestling, creating beautiful floral arrangements and spending time with her family. While raising her family and throughout the years, Catalina held various jobs and was a dedicated, hard worker. She will be dearly missed.

With five generations, survivors include her four daughters, Margaret Cardona, Linda Ortiz, Maxine Ortega, Estella Ortiz; one son, Martin Ortiz, Jr. (daughter-in-law, Mary); and son-in-law, Larry Brosemer (husband to the late Joan Brosemer, daughter of Catalina). Other survivors include numerous beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, several great-great grandchildren, and a loving extended family.

Catalina is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Martin Z. Ortiz, Sr.; and daughter, Joan Brosemer. She was one of 14 children of the Juarez family and the last to pass. Her 9 sisters and 4 brothers greeted her in heaven.

Memorial visitation will be held from 5-6:00 P.M., on Thursday, November 21, 2024, followed by a rosary at 6:00 P.M., at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.

Catalina will be laid to rest next to her husband at Mt. Calvary Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made in Catalina's memory to Midland Care Hospice. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.