News-Gazette Photo/Andrew Sullivan The Martinez family in Kissimmee is celebrating six generation strong. This family has bound together and overcome nearly every obstacle that has come its way.
By Tremene Triplett For the News-Gazette
At first glance, Lydia Martinez 73, of Kissimmee, may resemble any other mother who left her native Salinas, Puerto Rico in search of a brand new start in the United States.
Like many before and after her, Martinez hails from a small town, and had heard of the big city of New York and all that it had to offer. It wasnt long before Martinez made her move to the United States in 1961, with one son in tow, but leaving behind three daughters until she could send for them.
Martinez the eldest of nine children moved to Rochester, New York, where her brother, Luis Antonetti, established the familys roots and built the familys reputation as outstanding musicians. While Martinezs English was bleak, she picked cherries and worked in clothing factories to support her family before ultimately gaining employment in 1969 at General Motors.
While Martinezs story sounds ordinary to this point what separates her from most is the strong, multi-generational family tree that has grown since her humble beginnings in the United States. Some 51 years later, the Martinez family is six generations strong.
Mommy Lydia as her grandchildren refer to her, is a proud daughter, mother, grandmother, great and great-great grandmother.
In this day and time of reality TV shows that exploit the frailties and dysfunction of families, the Martinez family can share a thing or two about family togetherness, love and overcoming.
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Six generations living a legacy