Milagros Martinez

Milagros Martinez, 76, of Florham Park, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Salóme ‘Milagros’ Martinez Taboada was born in the picturesque Celtic village of Castro in the province of Pontevedra, Galicia, located in northwestern Spain. A surprise twin, Milagros, whose name means ‘miracle,’ was born alongside her brother, Jorge. She was raised in Castro by a remarkable group of women: her mother, grandmother, and aunts. Those who knew her as a child recall that while she was small in size, she was mighty in spirit, a force to be reckoned with.

Like many Galicians seeking a better future, Milagros and her family embarked on a journey to America in search of prosperity. They settled in the Ironbound section of Newark, NJ where a few years later her baby sister Marina was born. Though it was a difficult transition to leave behind her tight-knit farming village, Milagros quickly adapted to her new life in America. With the support of her parents and aunts, she became an American citizen, learned English, and graduated from high school.

Milagros faced the challenges that many immigrants did—uncertainty, obstacles, and setbacks—but she never let them deter her from her dreams. One of her proudest achievements was her successful career at New Jersey Bell, where she played a key role in managing their offices and implementing phone systems in the local market.

While on a vacation to Barcelona, Spain, Milagros met the love of her life, Jose Maria. Their bond was so strong that he left everything behind to be with her in America. After marrying, Milagros and Jose shared a dream of entrepreneurship and homeownership. Through years of hard work and sacrifice, they achieved their dream and purchased their first business, El Rincon de España. The business quickly became a hub for the community, and Milagros was known for her boundless generosity. She helped countless immigrants navigate life in a new country, offering them support, guidance, and a helping hand.

Her store was a place where anyone could find what they needed, whether it was imported products, clothing, gear for the local workers, or even a safe space for children while their parents worked. Milagros was a true pillar of hope in her community, always going above and beyond to lend a hand to those in need. Despite all her accomplishments, Milagros always put her role as a loving and devoted mother above all else. She inspired her daughters to strive for excellence, encouraging them to study, work hard, and become the best versions of themselves.

After years of dedication and hard work, Milagros retired and embraced the role she cherished most: being a full-time "Bueli" (grandmother). She took immense joy in caring for her five grandchildren and teaching them Spanish, cooking traditional family recipes, spending a tremendous amount of time with her daughters, son-in-law’s, and extended family sharing stories filled with love, laughter, and wisdom.

When Milagros and Jose weren’t spending time with family or entertaining neighbors on their front porch with wine, cheese, and tapas, they could often be found vacationing in their beloved Fuengirola, Spain, surrounded by grandchildren, family, and friends from around the world.

Milagros’ life was a testament to the importance of kindness, love, and the joy of connecting with others. Her wish to everyone was simple: not to take life too seriously, to appreciate and love one another, and to always be kind. With her radiant smile, sparkling eyes, and warm heart, Milagros lit up every room she entered. She was, and always will be, our Queen—la Reina.

Devoted mother of Monica Martinez Milan, her husband Mark, Erica Wendroff and her husband Jon.  Cherished grandmother of Logan and London, Arianna, Josh and Emma.  Dear sister of Marina Garcia and her husband Manolo Otero.  Alsos survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Milagros was pre-deceased by her husband Jose Martinez of 51 years, her parents Antonio and Saluca Taboada, and her twin brother Jorge Taboada. 

Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc., 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park on Wednesday, March 19th from 10am – 12pm, followed by the funeral mass at St. Vincent Martyr Church in Madison at 12:45pm.  

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