Martha Ann Navarrete

In loving memory of Martha Ann Navarrete, February 10, 1953 - December 23, 2025. Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Martha at any stage of her life would say one thing about her: she was the kindest soul they had ever known. In spite of all the heartache and hardship she faced in her life, she remained a care giving mother-figure to all those around her. Aside from her maternal nature, her love of God, children, and music shone through above all else. It is what she was raised on, what gave her comfort in her darkest hours, and what she passed on to others. Born on February 10, 1953 in Upland, California to parents Virgil and Pauline Navarrete, Martha’s life was filled with struggle from her earliest moments. As the oldest sibling in a struggling Mexican-American household, she attracted the ridicule of many, but always served as the rock to those around here. When great challenges arose, she turned to God and her church for solace. What started from a young age by the influence of her mother, family, and church elders led to a lifelong dedication to kindness and goodness, also resulting in her taking up the piano at the age of eight. Even as her family was forced to move anually from Cucamonga to Lodi during the harvest season, she continued in stride. An academic marvel, she involved herself in band, orchestra, and student government, serenaded her family with her playing, and eventually even served as the personal chauffeur for her siblings and their friends, due to her place as the oldest child. This all culminated in her obtaining the honor of “Girl of the Year” during her senior year at Chaffey High School. It preceded her graduation, the point after which she decided on her career in life, a school teacher, inspired by her aunt, Julia Arias. After high school, Martha attended and graduated from Chaffey College. From there, she was accepted at Pasadena College, a Church of the Nazarene school, in keeping with her strong faith and devotion to God, where she continued to study when it became Point Loma College. Upon completion of her studies at Point Loma, her calling as an educator took her on a journey throughout California and its primary and secondary educational systems. The common thread woven into the various California schools she worked at as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, was working with disadvantaged, underprivileged Latino children. Having come from humble beginnings herself, she, deep in her heart, felt truly sorry for the kids she taught, most of whom did not have the money to buy their own school supplies. That broke her heart, leading her to regularly purchase, with funds from her own salary, the necessary school supplies for her students. She took great pride in giving to her kids, and in giving back to the Latino Community, founding the bilingual Spanish/English educational program in the Adelanto School District, continuing to support the students who needed it most. She later retired to a quiet life in Victorville, California. Besides her pupils, Martha found familial love in the form of the dogs she adopted throughout her life, who gave her much needed love and comfort. She also continued her church dedication, not only as church pianist as she did before, but also with a newfound passion for choir. The piano was a common sight in her home as well, where she continued to play the same hymns that brought her joy throughout her life. She spent the rest of her golden years with her family, who made the effort to accompany her as often as they were able. They left her with a feeling of warmth and compassion that led her easy into that good night. Everyone she loved surrounded her, even if they were unable to be physically present. She will rest easy now, with her loved ones in heaven welcoming her with open arms. Martha is survived by her dear siblings, Virgil Navarrete Jr., Arthur Navarette, Miriam Navarrete and her spouse Carol Wentworth; niece, Paloma Navarrete; nephew, Cassius Navarette; dear friends, Leonard Arias and his family and Lucila Wilson and her family; her furry companions, Bella and Milo, and all of her many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, family, and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to International Fellowship of Christians and Jews or an animal shelter of your choice. Graveside Service will be held Saturday January 17, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Mountain View Mortuary & Cemetery 570 E Highland Ave, San Bernardino CA 92404 (909) 882-2943. “Somebody asked me, ‘Do we turn to birds when we die?’ I replied, ‘Do angels have wings?’"

Martha Ann Navarrete

February 10, 1953 - December 23, 2025

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Martha Ann Navarrete

February 10, 1953 - December 23, 2025

365 Days of Grief Support

Services

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About Us

Obituaries

Comparison Guide

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