(Courtesy photo)
By TRINA “INDI” JOHNSON
Special to the NEWS
The life of Leticia “Lety” Martinez Coronado, raised in the San Benito area, was brutally taken on March 23, 1999, a moment that left a deep mark on her community.
With the death of her convicted killer, Isaac Coronado, on August 27, 2025, her family—children Juan “JC” Coronado, Edie, and Kristea—choose to honor Lety’s life, a legacy of kindness and warmth that lingers like the gentle scent of fresh-baked bread, her family members recall.
Lety was a cherished presence, known for her radiant smile and generous heart.
At Albertsons, near Freedom, Cal, where she worked for years in the bakery, she brought joy to every shift.
Her son, Juan Coronado, recalls her practicing French bread announcements at home: “Fresh French bread, baked daily!” Her pride in her work made customers feel welcomed, as if they’d stepped into a familiar kitchen. “She was known for her infectious smile that could light up any room,” Juan shared.
Her generosity extended to the schools where her children grew up. At Lakeview Middle School and Amesti Elementary, Lety was a regular at PTA events, arriving with homemade cupcakes and Rice Krispie treats.
“She volunteered at PTA events for Lakeview Middle School and Amesti Elementary School, always giving her time and energy to support local families,” Coronado said. Her humor shone through as she’d break into the Macarena or the “lavadora” from Selena, her laughter brightening any gathering.
Lety’s love for baking was central to her family. “Her passion for baking became a family tradition. Today, her children—JC, Edie, and Kristie—continue her legacy by passing down her recipes and teaching their own children how to bake, especially her famous pancakes and other homemade treats,” Coronado said. Those recipes, shared around the kitchen table, keep her memory alive, each batch a quiet nod to the warmth she brought home.
Her values shaped her children profoundly. To Coronado, she said, “If you have a wife or girlfriend, always treat her with love and respect.” Those words guide him still, a reminder of her focus on kindness. “Leticia’s legacy is one of family, kindness, and resilience. She made a lasting impact on so many in the community, and her name still resonates with those who knew her,” Coronado noted.
Lety’s story rises above the tragedy of her death. Her children, now raising families of their own, carry forward her love through the treats they bake and the kindness they show, they said.
As the community reflects on the events of 1999, Lety’s memory endures in the smiles she sparked, the treats she shared, and the lessons she left behind.
Her name remains a source of warmth, a poignant reminder of a woman who made every moment sweeter; her legacy is a gentle presence that continues to comfort her family and community, according to her family members.
Isaac Coronado passed away on Aug. 27.
For more information about domestic violence or to seek help, call the national domestic abuse hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233).
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