Maria Luz Martinez Karp

Maria Luz Martinez Karp, age 92, passed away on February 14, 2015 surrounded by family.  Luz was born on March 21, 1922 in Tupiza, Bolivia where she was raised by her grandmother, Felicidad Murillo.  She became an elementary teacher in the Aramayo tin mines in Bolivia, where she taught children of all ages in a single class room.  It was while teaching in Telamayu that she met a young American metallurgical engineer who she fell in love with and married less than a year later.

Luz and Philip Karp and their infant and toddler girls left Bolivia in 1951 to begin their life together in the United States.  In Mount Vernon, NY, Luz cared for her young family, became familiar with American culture and proficient in the English language.  Later she would proudly become an American Citizen. In 1954 the family moved to Ann Arbor MI where they raised their family for the next 20 years.  Luz and Phil also lived in Reading PA and Indianapolis IN before retiring to Las Cruces NM.  In 2004 they moved to Bradenton Florida to be closer to family.

Luz enjoyed life.  She had many interests and hobbies that gave her great pleasure:  sewing, crocheting, flower gardening, bridge, painting, jewelry making, traveling, bridge, reading biographies, shopping,  discussing current events, tangos and the music of Gilbert and Sullivan to name a few. She loved “going and doing”.  She took senior citizens on trips to Europe, taught Spanish through the adult education program in Ann Arbor and sold Avon, all during the same period of time. She volunteered in elementary school cafeterias, supervising children.  In Indianapolis she was a docent at the Children’s Museum and an interpreter at the 1987 Pan Am Games.

But most important, were her family and friends.  When she made a friend, it was for life and you were cherished. She was always there for her family.  In the 60’s she sponsored her sister and her two young children from Bolivia, opening up a new life to them in the United States.  Several times a year, she sent large cartons of clothing to her many nieces and nephews in Bolivia.

Time never lessened Luz’s amazement – and gratitude – that her life brought her to live in the United States.

Luz is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Philip, daughters Rosemarie Karp and Joyce Karp (Gary Hickerson) of Holmes Beach, brothers Lucho, Alberto and Willy Barragan, grandchildren, Jessica McBee (Shawn) and Nathan Hickerson and many devoted nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her mother Raquel Barragan, sisters Elsa Barragan and Nellie Schemmel.

She will be laid to rest on March 6th at Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota Florida.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul.

Memorial Mass
2015-02-21 13:30:00
Casa Restauraction Salem In Palmetto
1115 10th Ave W.
Palmetto
FL
34221


Reception
2015-02-21 14:30:00
The Chapel at Westminster Towers
1533 4th Avenue W.
Bradenton
FL
34205