Martha Haley of Allen, Texas passed away June 29, 2025, at the age of 89. She was born to Pedro Velasco Coutino and Velia Archila Moreno on May 24, 1936, in Villa Flores, Chiapas, Mexico.
Martha married Bill Haley on January 14, 1963, in Mexico City, Mexico. She was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church in Allen, Texas.
Martha is survived by her daughter, Martha H. Castillo and husband, David of McKinney, Texas; son, Pedro Haley and wife, Camille of Lewisville, Texas; daughter, Georgina Haley of Allen, Texas; grandchildren, Carolina Castillo, Gregory Mendoza, Adriana Castillo, William Haley, and Emilia Haley; great-grandchildren, Xiomara Mendoza, Dominic Hawkins, and Max Mendoza; her sister, Antonia Armas of Houston, Texas; and lastly, her pride and joy, love of her life, faithful companion Chihuahua - Felice.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill; her father Pedro and mother Velia; her brothers Horacio Velasco, Jorge E. Velasco, and Gustavo Velasco; and her sisters Carolina Kalkwarf and Carmen Ruth Velasco.
Martha was a bold, strong, tenacious woman ahead of her time. She was daring and fearless in her youth, unafraid to try new things and forge her own path, and she grew into a wise, cautious, and deeply thoughtful matriarch. Never afraid to speak her mind, she had a quick wit and dry sense of humor that made her the life of the party. She loved to dance and sing. Her hobbies included cross-stitch and gardening.
She placed the highest importance on education, making it clear from early on that going to college wasn't optional - it was expected. She believed that learning opened doors and wanted her children to walk through every one of them. She instilled in them a deep love and appreciation for music of all kinds. Her passion for opera and Mexican romantic trios filled their home with beauty, emotion, and connection. She encouraged musical study and creative expression, and for that, they are forever grateful. She also believed in the power of travel to open the mind and heart. Their childhood was filled with adventure, especially during their many magical journeys through Mexico, where they learned to embrace and cherish their cultural roots.
She loved fiercely and gave her whole heart to those she cared about. She devoted her time and talent as a guitarist in the choir at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Harlingen, Texas, for several years, uplifting others through her music. Above all, she was a woman of deep faith who remained aware and grateful for the many blessings the Lord bestowed upon her life.
She lived a life of bold conviction, deep faith, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her loyalty to her family was unwavering, and no matter the challenge, she never gave up on her children.
She was a source of strength, wisdom, and unconditional love - a woman who stood firmly by her children through every season of life and never stopped believing in them. Her laughter filled every room, her music brought comfort and joy, and her stories connected generations. To know her was to be inspired by her courage, her grace, and her vibrant spirit. Though she is no longer with us in body, her presence will continue to be felt in the music we hear, the traditions we carry, and the values she instilled in each of her children. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to guide, uplift, and embrace her family for years to come. Martha will be deeply missed, always loved, and forever honored.
A funeral Mass will be held at St. Jude Catholic Church, located at 1515 N Greenville Ave, Allen, Texas 75002, on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Following the Mass, Martha will be laid to rest with her beloved husband, Bill, at the St. Jude Columbarium.