Judy Ann Furgiuele Martinez (1955 – 2025)
Judy Furgiuele Martinez passed away in her sleep on Friday, June 20, 2025 at the age of 69 years. Judy’s life was defined by her giving heart and relationships, but her life will be best remembered as a loving wife, daughter, sister, aunt, mother, and grandmother.
Judy was born on September 14, 1955, daughter of Guy and Dorothy Furgiuele, and sibling of her brother Terry, and sisters Pat, Cindy, and Sue. Judy was a lifelong Houstonian and a 1974 graduate of Westbury High School, and then attended Southwest Texas State University. Judy was married to John Paterson, and they had two children, Jessica and Jeremy. Judy later married Rick Martinez in 2000, and he became her rock and best friend. Judy and Rick lived in Sugar Land for nearly 30 years with an open door to friends and family to celebrate holidays, special occasions, or just a simple afternoon by the pool. Before retirement, Judy worked her most meaningful job at St. John the Divine, where she put her heart and energies in Student Ministries. Judy organized activities and shared her love for the Lord with church youth.
Judy’s infectious love was most enjoyed by her children and grandchildren, to whom she gave all she had. Judy met you where you were, with no pretense and a servant’s heart that simply wanted to make your day better. Judy loved giving gifts that had a personal touch— she paid attention to what made you happy and made the most of every opportunity to spoil you with her brand of love.
Judy is preceded in death by her parents Dorothy and Guy Furgiuele.
She is survived by her husband Rick, children Jessica Broussard (and her husband John), Jeremy Paterson, Alex Martinez, Kaylin Martinez Ibarra (and her husband Josh), grandchildren Luke, James, and Abigail Broussard, and Owen, Olivia, and Eloise Ibarra; her four siblings and their spouses (Sue and Bobby Hester; Cindy and Bob Randle; Terry and Susan Furgiuele; and Pat Woodard), and countless nieces and nephews who all considered her the “fun Aunt”. They will miss dearly her smile, her unconditional love, and her joy for life. She left us too soon.
Judy’s funeral will be Thursday, June 26, 11:00 am at The Church of St. John the Divine,
(2450 River Oaks Boulevard) followed by a reception for family and friends.
What a beautiful tribute. We are all so sorry for your loss and sending love and prayers.
Although I never met Judy I am so happy to know of her thru this lovely obit. I am friends with Susan and her brother, Terry. Life gets really hard when our siblings and relatives begin to leave us on their heavenly journey. Sorry for your loss.
My heart breaks for all who adored Judy. She had such a kind and joyful presence, always with a warm smile that lit up any room. Judy was a deer friend to my sister, and I feel lucky to have known her through so many meaningful connections-teaching with her sister, having her nephew as a student, and seeing her at church when she worked at SJD. Judy touched so many lives with her kindness and fun spirit. She left this world far too soon and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Stuart and I are so very sad about this, and our hearts break for her family and all who knew and loved her. She was so very special to us, and all memories of great times spent with her will forever be memories that we hold close in our hearts.
Our condolences to Judy’s family.
She will be missed.
Condolences to Rick
All of us at Merry Ministries loved Judy. After retiring, she joined and showed most Wednesday mornings to worship God and study his Word. She is at peace with our Lord.
Rick, our hearts go out to you and your family!!! Judy was a sweet soul and was such a positive influence on SO many people, including me and my family. The kids all loved her (as we all did) and she was such a great example of gracious love and servant-leadership! Prayers continue for you and your family.
Your friends,
Larry, Alecia, Jacob & Zachary Lawyer
I got to know Judy when I helped with the Confirmation classes on Sunday mornings. She was always so supportive of my kids—especially Jeb. As I reflected on how many children she had loved, supported, and guided through those challenging growing-up years, I tried to estimate just how many lives she had touched along the way. But then the answer hit me.
All of them.