Maria E. Martinez

is honored with a Brick from Wichita State University Campus Recreation

Maria E. Duran
December 30, 1978 - October 27, 2013

Maria Esther (Duran) Martinez was born December 30, 1978, In El Paso, Texas to Rodolfo Duran and Maria De Los Angeles Duran. Maria was the oldest of five (5) siblings. Maria attended Mountain view High School. She later moved to Wichita, KS. Maria graduated from North High School in Wichita Kansas.

Maria married Sergio Martinez-Villa, M.A., and had two children, Carlos A. Martinez & Ivy R. Martinez, & Granddaughter Victoria Esther Martinez. Maria also worked at WSU’s Heskett Center as student Staff. Maria graduated from Wichita State University in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. After graduation Maria worked for the (YWCA) Women’s shelter, she later worked for Sedgwick County Adult Residential Center as a Corrections officer.

Maria is loved by all her friends and family. She was the life of the party, the glue that held her family together. Maria’s life was cut short on October 27, 2013 by a drunk driver. Sergio and Maria were driving home from Wichita’s north side when they were tragically t-boned in their car by a fleeing suspect. She is dearly missed by all her family. Maria is honored at the Plaza of Heroines.