Grace M Medina

Grace Medina, 91, of Lyden, NM, peacefully entered eternal rest on December 27, 2024. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, Grace’s life was a testament to love, kindness, and devotion to her family and faith.

Grace was born on August 30, 1933, in Dixon, NM, to Fidel and Delfina Martinez. She was one of eleven siblings, growing up in a home filled with love, laughter, and close-knit bonds.

On December 28, 1957, Grace married her devoted husband, Ismael Medina. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, adventure, and family. Their union was blessed with four children: Norman, Erna, Louie, and Terry. Grace and Ismael were partners in every sense, sharing a passion for travel, family gatherings, and supporting one another through life’s joys and challenges.

Grace spent her early working years at the Fairview Clinic in Española. After she and Ismael lived in California for a few years, where she worked at XDX, they returned to Dixon in 1969 to settle and raise their family. Grace briefly worked with the Española Public Schools but chose to dedicate herself fully to being a homemaker.

Her days began in her garden, where she tended to rows of vegetables and fruit trees. She delighted in picking fresh produce, making ristras, and canning fruit for her family to enjoy. In the evenings, she filled her kitchen with warmth and the aroma of home-cooked meals, including her famous tortillas made almost daily.

Grace’s kitchen was the heart of her home, where guests were always welcomed with a pot of coffee and her delicious biscochitos or pastelitos. Known for her generosity and love of hospitality, she brought people together with her cooking and the simple joy of shared meals.

Faith was central to Grace’s life. A devout Catholic, she attended Mass at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Dixon and often enjoyed lunch at Sugars afterward. Her unwavering faith inspired those around her and was a guiding light for her family.

Grace and Ismael shared a love for adventure and travel. Together, they explored Yellowstone, Florida, San Francisco, Reno, Las Vegas, and more. They cherished road trips and the joy of discovering new places with their family.

Her favorite pastimes included watching Wheel of Fortune with her son Norman, playing card games with Terry and Paul, taking a Sunday drive after mass with Erna, going to the Casino with Louie and working on puzzles, especially with her great-grandchildren.

Grace was preceded in death by her husband, Ismael Medina; her grandson, Jacob Medina; her parents, Fidel and Delfina Martinez; her siblings, Orphelita (Lita) Martinez, Jose Martinez (Connie), Henry Martinez (Berna), Carlos Martinez, Clarence Martinez, Eliza Duran (Clarence), and Nora Cruz; Brother in laws, Eugene Rendon and Roy Liedkie; and her in-laws, Facundo and Emilia Medina, Armando Medina, Mary Martinez (Manuel), Thomas Medina, Lurden Rivera, and Avenago Padilla.

She is survived by her children, Norman Medina (Lorraine), Erna Medina, Louie Medina, and Terry Briones (Paul); her siblings, Evila Rendon, Lucilla Liedkie and Augustine Martinez (Lucille); sisters-in-law Lisaida Martinez and Ida Padilla; brother-in-law Jesse Rivera; her 11 grandchildren, Melanie Chavez (Matthew), Nicholas Medina (Nick), Amanda Vialpando (Philip), RanDee Medina, Francine Briones, Mare’esa Medina, David Briones, Monica Briones (Miguel), Anna Briones, and Charles Briones; her 7 great-grandchildren, Stephanie Rivera, Scarlett Vialpando, Elijah Chavez, Brooklyn Medina, Skilynn Parks, Leah Chavez, and Logan Vialpando; and countless friends and extended family members.

Grace’s life was defined by her love for her family, her faith, and her unyielding kindness. Her legacy of generosity, compassion, and cherished memories will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Rosary at 9:30 am, with Funeral Mass at 10:30 am, all at the St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Dixon, on Monday, January 13, 2025. Burial will take place at 2:00PM at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Pallbearers will include David Briones, Charles Briones, Melanie Chavez, Nicholas Medina, Mare’esa Medina, and RanDee Medina.

Honorary pallbearers include Logan Vialpando, Paul Briones, Rosa Zarete, Linda Archuleta, Elbert Martinez, and Arnold Martinez.

The family of Grace Medina has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Beautiful Espanola Valley.  www.devargasfuneral.com   505-747-7477