Benigna Martinez, a longtime resident of Chimayo, NM, entered eternal rest peacefully on the evening of August 13th. As she took her last breath to go home to our Heavenly Father, she was enveloped in love, surrounded by her family as her sobrinos and hermanos prayed the rosary by her side.

A compassionate soul with a humble heart, Benigna was a dedicated mother, grandmother, and sister. She anchored her family with deep-rooted traditions and a beautiful example to follow. Whether she was cheering on her beloved 49ers, enjoying a lively evening at the casino, or sharing a weekend BBQ with her family, her joy was always found in the company of those she loved. She also possessed a creative spirit, spending peaceful hours coloring, painting, and detailing her wooden artwork.

Benigna’s greatest legacy is the family she nurtured. Her love, resilience, and unwavering devotion will live on for generations.

She joins in eternity her beloved husband, Melaquias Martinez; her children, Roy, Debbie, and Ray; and her grandson, Jonathan. Her adored parents, Israel & Cordelia Sandoval. She is also reunited with her siblings, Damian, Henry, Ruben, Onivas, Silfredo, Juanito, Deluvina, and MaryLou Sandoval; her parents-in-law, Patricio and Juanita Martinez; and her extended family, Victor (Eufemia), Ismael (Estella), Gilberto, Martinez and Epifania (Felix) Romero. An extended grandson; Eddie Velasquez.

Her memory will be cherished by her dear friend Avelino Aranda, her children, Larry (Yvette), Mary Lou, Sharon (Dennis), and Jeannette (Tony); her grandchildren, Joshua (Jamie) Martinez, Dillon (Ashley)Martinez, Michelle Martinez, Jermaine (Josh) Martinez, Melannie Trujillo, Ryan Martinez, Leo Bustos, Stephanie (Eric) Ortiz, Sheryl (Abraham)Baca. 15 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild; and her surviving siblings, Zebedeo, Danny (Yvonne), Pete (Nancy), Olivama, Elaine, Sandoval, Rosina Trujillo, and Sister In-Law, Joyce Sandoval.

She also leaves behind many beloved relatives and dear friends.

A Public visitation will take place on Thursday August 27, 2026, at 5:00 pm, with the Holy Rosary to begin at 6:00 pm. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday August 28, 2026, at 10:00 am at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Chimayo, NM, with a burial to follow at the Nuestra Senora de Dolores Cemetery in Chimayo.

Serving as Pallbearers are Samuel Martinez, Eric Jr. Trujillo, Mason Martinez, Dominic Baca, Gabriel Baca, Dillon Martinez.

The family of Benigna Martinez has entrusted the care of their loved one with DeVargas’s Funeral Home and Crematory of the Beautiful Espanola Valley 505-747-7477.