Whether it’s been in support of restaurants and nonprofits during the wreckage of the COVID-19 crisis or the myriad programs to support frontline workers, Mill Valley residents have stepped up time and time again to hold up their neighbors.
Tragically, they’ve had another reason to do so in recent weeks as word has spread that 17-year-old Lorena Recendez-Martinez, who worked part-time at Mill Valley Market and is the daughter of MV Market and Piazza D’Angelo employee Josefina Recendez, died in mid-June in a horrific crash.
Police identified Rohnert Park resident Recendez-Martinez as the driver and her friend Amada Guadalupe Salinas-Agular as the passenger in a violent single-car crash that was so devastating even veteran police officers were taken aback at the scene, according to the Press Democrat. In the days following the crash, the makeshift memorial erected along Golf Course Drive was overwhelmed with candles and flowers.
To help pay for expenses in the aftermath, Recendez’s family created a GoFundMe page, which has raised more than $13,000 toward its goal of $25,000. “Lorena Recendez-Martinez was a beautiful, caring, and free spirited young lady,” the family writes on the fundraising page. “She had a big heart and loved everyone around her.”
“Lorena was only 17 and excited about life and the places she could go,” it continues. “She couldn’t wait to be 18 and graduate with her friends. Lorena is survived by her Josefina (Mother), Vicente (Father), Carmen (sister), Victoria (sister), Vince (brother), and Eduardo (brother). Also survived by extended Family and Friends.
We would greatly appreciate any help with donations to cover the funeral expenses of our beloved Sister Lorenita ❤
Thank you all for your love and support!!!
Lots of Love,
Lorena’s entire family.