In Loving Memory of Flora L. Martinez August 11, 1936 – May 14, 2026

Flora L. Martinez, lovingly known to many as “Granny Flora,” passed away surrounded by the love and legacy she spent a lifetime building through faith, family, education, and service. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, scholar, and homemaker, Flora’s life reflected grace, intelligence, resilience, and unwavering love for her family and community. She was the daughter of Porfirio and Lugardita Lujan.

Born on August 11, 1936, in Northern New Mexico, Flora was part of the first graduating class of Los Alamos High School, the early Los Alamos era during the historic Oppenheimer years where she lived most of her youth. She carried with her the strength and determination of a generation that helped shape both New Mexico and the nation during transformative times in history. Education was deeply important to her, and she dedicated herself to lifelong learning, scholarship, and supporting the success of future generations.

Flora was a proud graduate of Iowa State University, where she earned her degree in Literature. Her love for reading never faded, and even in her later years she could often be found with one of her favorite novels nearby. She treasured stories, language, history, and the beauty of learning, carrying that intellectual curiosity throughout her entire life. And no day seemed complete without enjoying a classic John Wayne western, a tradition that brought her comfort, joy, and a reminder of the values of grit, loyalty, and perseverance she admired so deeply.

For 69 beautiful years, Flora shared a remarkable marriage with the love of her life, Pedro Antonio Martinez better known as Tony. Together, they built a home rooted in love, sacrifice, faith, and family traditions that will continue for generations to come. She has one living sister Mabel DeAguero whom lives in California.

She was also honored as an honorary member of the Alcalde Hermanos, reflecting the deep respect and admiration she earned throughout her community and spiritual life.

Flora was the proud mother of three daughters: Marla Kim Montoya, NovaLea Bradshaw (Mark) and a daughter Melodie whom soon became an angel after birth. She was a deeply devoted Catholic and a loving grandmother to Jemuel (LeAnne), Amanda Hughes (Matt), Anastasia Bradshaw, and Austin Bradshaw.

Her heart expanded even further through her cherished

Great grandchildren whom she adored: Antonio Montoya, LilyAnne Montoya, Jonathan Salazar, Sophie Hughes and Nina Hughes and Jeremiah whom she also considered her great grandson…

Throughout her life, Flora was respected within the Los Alamos community and remembered for her contributions connected to Los Alamos National Laboratory, the city, and public schools. She carried herself with dignity, intelligence, and kindness, earning admiration from colleagues, friends, neighbors, and all who crossed her path. Whether she served as a scholar, mentor, homemaker, or grandmother, she embodied quiet strength and compassion.

Grandma Flora treasured time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren more than anything else. Her stories, wisdom, warmth, and unconditional love created memories that will forever live in the hearts of those blessed to know her. She taught her family the value of education, humility, perseverance, faith, and love of community.

She leaves behind a legacy of family, scholarship, service, and enduring love that will continue through every generation that follows her.

Flora L. Martinez will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and eternally loved.

Catholic Burial services to be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the San Juan Bautista Catholic Church in San Juan, NM. Rosary at 10:30 and a Catholic Mass at 11:30. Burial to follow.

Thank you to DeVargas Funeral home, the Hermanos of Alcalde, Father Nathan, Sennie Quintana and the hospital staff at Espanola Presbyterian Hospital.

“Those we love never truly leave us. They live on in the stories we tell, the lessons they taught, and the love they gave so freely.”

Honorary Pallbearers are Jemuel Montoya, Antonio Montoya, LilyAnne Montoya, Jonathan Salazar, Amanda Hughes, Anastasia Bradshaw, Austin Bradshaw, Sophie Hughes, Nina Hughes and Jeremiah Chavez.

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