Second Anniversary Celebrating the life and times of Dona Martha Saldivar Sulaiman
Those who so loved, admired and respected Dona Martha, came to Capilla Santa Rita de Casio, Parroquia de San Agustin in Polanco, Mexico City, on the second anniversary of her passing, not to mourn, but reflect upon, rejoice, smile and celebrate a truly and sincerely remarkable life.
Mauricio, Hector and Lucy who described her Mother as her best friend, sitting in pews, close to her framed photo, showing a serene, calm, kindly, caring and generous Mother. Simultaneously a loyal and discreet friend to so many. Grandsons Pepe Tonio and Hector Jr, sitting side by side at the front. All time boxing Greats Humberto “Chiquita” González and Daniel Zaragoza together with their Wives. Then José And Jayet Manzur.
The Great Don Victor Cota. WBC Vice President Alberto Leon. So many boxers kindly, affectionately and simply have referred to Dona Martha as “Mama.” So apt, because she treated superstars and novices exactly the same, always making each and every one of them feel valued, welcome and at home.
The service given by fresh faced Padre José Rosario Aguilar, sporting Clark Kent/Robin Day glasses, talking about the decency, humility and humanity of a woman, who preferred to stay in the background, but was simultaneously able, willing and so gracious, by opening her home to everyone, so no one ever went hungry or was left bereft of kindness, or the sharing companionship of a place at the table. How appropriate the photo of Dona Martha was nestling close to that of Mother Mary and the Baby Jesus.
Dona Martha was Matriarch of her family and the extended global family of the WBC. And, as the saying goes: “Beside every Great Man, is an equally Great and dignified Woman. The First Lady of Boxing amidst the Green and Gold United while at its greatest, lauding a woman who was its core backbone, inspiring loyalty.
The last rays of the afternoon sun streaming through the lozenge shaped windows, carved out of the deep recesses of thick gray walls. Shining, inspiring and illuminating through the approaching, enveloping cloak of dusk and then velvet night, all to honor a Great woman, who will always be respected in the world of boxing and far beyond.
It was a joy, an honor and a fond memory commemorating the end of one journey, yet the start plus glow of a new dawn enwrapped around and embracing an ethereal atmosphere, convincing and categorically proving, that you don’t have be brash, loud or overtly demonstrative, to be remembered. Dona Martha’s Greatness surpassed all of that. How she is still and so keenly as well as deeply missed.
