The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Wilda Martin, 84, of Bridge City, died Wednesday, Feb. 20, at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont. Born in Port Arthur, on Dec. 24, 1928, Wilda was the daughter of Edward and Olive Maloz Rau.

She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated in 1947. Wilda then married Lewis Martin of Port Arthur on Feb. 24, 1951. They celebrated 61 years together. Wilda and Lewis built their home in Bridge City, in 1953. She was a homemaker and very involved in her children’s activities. Wilda was a Room Mother and also a Campfire Leader.

She enjoyed camping with her family for many years. Wilda and Lewis enjoyed traveling and took many train trips. She was a member of St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Bridge City since 1953 and belonged to the Alter Society for many years. Lewis and Wilda were most proud of volunteering for the 1983 church remodeling.

Wilda was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and will be missed very much.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Francis Edward Martin; sisters, Verna Blankenship and Velma Majors; and daughter-in-law, LuAnne Martin.

Wilda is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Anna and Conrad Graffagnino; son, Willie Ray Martin of Streator, Il; grandchildren, Rachel Bowden, Michael Graffagnino, Grace and Marguerite Martin; great-granddaughters, Aireana, Destiny, and Sadie; sisters-in-law; Claire Daigle and Lucille Dionne; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass will be at 2:00 pm, Friday, Feb. 22, at St. Henry Catholic Church in Bridge City. Officiating will be the Rev. Steven Leger. Burial will follow at Orange Forest Lawn Cemetery in West Orange.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Thursday at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City, with a Rosary recited at 5:00 pm.

Serving as pallbearers will be Conrad and Michael Graffagnino, Mike Guidroz, Willie Martin, Charles and Gerald Blankenship.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Henry’s Memorial Fund; 475 W. Roundbunch Rd., Bridge City, Texas 77611.