Eleanor Martinez

Eleanor Maria Martinez, 88, of Canjilon, NM, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2025, in Albuquerque, NM. She was born in Canjilon, NM, on December 23, 1936, to Rosalia Abeyta and Rosendo DeVargas.

Eleanor relished in reading, doing word searches and going to the local casinos “for a little bit”. She was an incredible cook, pouring her heart into every meal she made for her family from her cleverly cut potatoes and fresh tortillas, to her amazing Canjilon Pudding.

Eleanor was known by many from her time as a Secretary at Canjilon Elementary and Escalante High School from 1971 to her retirement in 2000. She enjoyed taking trips to visit family and spending time with all of her grandchildren singing songs and sharing smiles.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents Rosalia and Rosendo; son Isaac; grandchildren Victoria, Kirby and Greg.

Eleanor loved her family above all and is survived by her husband of 65 years Jose Melicendro Martinez; brother Tircio (Inez); sister Louisa (Luis); sons Danny (Agnes), Melvin (Darlene), Kenneth (Helen), Vernon (Loretta), and daughter Marissa (Paul); special niece Ardy; grandchildren Amy, Ross (Kristin), Corrie (Matthew), Daniel (Carrie), Shea, Clarissa (Mike), Clara (Shaun), Katelynn (Tyrell), and Jace; 25 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren, and many other cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was small but fierce and would always find joy in the little things. She will be missed by all who knew her, may we all see her again, Lord willing.

Rosary will be on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at 4:00 pm at DeVargas Chapel of Peace at the DeVargas Funeral Home in Espanola NM.

A Memorial Service will be on Monday, May 5, 2025, with a Rosary at 9:30 am and Mass at 11:00 am at the St. Juan Nepomuceno Church in Canjilon, NM, with Internment taking place at the Canjilon Community Cemetery. A reception to follow at the Canjilon Community Center, where people who knew Eleanor are welcome to come and share stories.

Pallbearers are Clarissa Martinez, Shea Eiland and Jace Eiland.

Honorary Pallbearers are all of Eleanor’s grandchildren Amy, Ross, Corrie, Daniel, Clara, Katelynn; great grandchildren, Alexia, Alexandria, Ashton, Sarah, Neticia, Catherine, Aydrianna, Peyton, Daniel, Tiffany, Benjamin, Jacob, Ziva, Aubry, Gunner, Ashlynn, Hailey, Brenya, Garin, Elias, Deyandra, Tymothy-Eli, Christian, Elijah, Nayeli; great great grandchildren Ulysses and Adelina.

The family of Eleanor Martinez has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477