Tragic Loss of Felipa: Support Her Loved Ones

With heavy hearts and immense grief, we share the tragic news of the loss of our beloved Felipa Martinez-Garcia, who was struck by a vehicle on the morning of April 7th, 2025, while walking to work along her usual route on Route 9 in Colonie, New York. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Our lives have been shattered in an instant, and our hearts are broken as we begin to mourn the sudden loss of a woman who meant everything to us.

Felipa was not only a devoted mother and life partner, but also a pillar in our family and in our community. For over 16 years, she worked at the Latham Farms McDonald’s, where she was more than just an employee—she was a familiar, friendly face who greeted every customer with warmth, kindness, and grace. Her coworkers became like a second family, and her loyalty to her job was unmatched. No matter the weather—rain, snow, freezing cold—she never missed a shift. She walked to work every day on the same path, the same routine, for over a decade and a half. She was on that path the morning she was taken from us.

Felipa was a woman of strength, faith, and compassion. She worked tirelessly to provide for our family, often putting others before herself. She gave everything she had to make sure her children were safe, loved, and supported. Her spirit lives on in all of us.

She leaves behind her partner, Alejandro Reyes, and her four children:

Alessandro Reyes (son, 14)

Lissette Reyes (daughter)

Elisa Martinez (daughter)

Wilian Martinez (son)

As a family, we are devastated. Felipa was the heart of our home—the person who brought joy into every room, who made holidays special, who taught us to be kind, to work hard, and to love deeply. Her absence has left a void that we will never be able to fill.

Alessandro and Lissette have grown up entirely in the North Colonie Central School District. Alessandro currently attends Shaker High School, and Lissette is in Shaker Middle School. We’ve always been proud to be a part of this district and this community, and now, in our darkest moment, we are turning to that same community for strength and support.

We are starting this fundraiser to help cover funeral costs, daily living expenses, and most importantly, to ensure the ongoing care of Alejandro, Felipa’s partner, who is in poor health and now facing life without her. Your donations will help us keep our family together as we navigate this unimaginable loss.

Whether you’re able to give financially or simply share this with others, we are deeply grateful. Every kind gesture matters. Every dollar brings us closer to stability. Every prayer gives us strength. We want to give Felipa the farewell she deserves and keep her memory alive through the love we continue to share as a family.

Thank you for reading our story, for opening your hearts, and for standing with us in our time of need. Felipa gave so much to everyone around her—now we humbly ask for that love to come back to her family during this painful time.

With love, gratitude, and hope,

The Family of Felipa Martinez-Garcia

Alessandro, Lissette, Elisa, Wilian & Alejandro