It was a tradition in Martina's family for the kids to leave school at age 15, so she decided to become a beautician.  In her family, dating was not allowed unless it was with a Basque boy, but she met the man of her dreams in Lorenzo Echanis; the couple was married in 1946.  Martina describes the 3 excruciating years that Larry was in the war, during which she prayed for his safety.

Martina and her husband have 4 children, all of whom can speak a little Euskera.  She is a charter member of the Ontario Basque Club, of which she has been a part for over 50 years.  Martina has made several trips to Euskadi to connect with her culture, and although she identifies herself primarily as an American, her Basque heritage is an integral part of who she is.