Jessica Leeann Martinez

Jessica Leeann Joyce Juanita Martinez (Chef Jessica)

Born April 30, 1990 Died November 10, 2025

Jessica, 35, was born and raised in Espanola, NM, and attended high school at Espanola Valley High and went on to attend Santa Fe Community College and studied Culinary Arts and Hotel and Restaurant Management.

As a teenager, Jessica was in 4-H and a member of the Hillbillies Club where she entered character cakes, jams and pies at the County Fair and went on to compete at the NM State Fair and won a savings bond. She created so many special shaped cakes, her talent was amazing.

Jessica loved the outdoors and nature. If she could steal even one night away, she would go camping. She has been camping since she was 3 months old. She enjoyed fishing with her dad and out fishing him. Her love for nature was a beautiful as her.

Jessica moved to Los Alamos where she lived out her life. She met so many friends who she loved and cherished. Most of her friends she met at restaurants she worked at during her life. She loved watching people eat her food knowing they enjoyed it by seeing their plate cleared. She would enter competitions, and had so much fun competing with her friends.

Jessica catered special events and was a personal chef for several families. Her life was about serving and feeding people. She came from a long line of women who did the same; her Great Grandma Martin, Grandma Perraglio, Grandma Martinez and her mama, Darby.

Besides being a chef, Jessica loved music and learned to play flute and bass guitar. She attended many concerts. She enjoyed dancing and being a part of the Hill Stompers for a brief time. Her last night of fun was attending a concert in Taos where she watched one of her favorite bands, Nathan Ratliff, perform.

Jessica was a generous soul, and beloved friend who left a warm and lasting imprint on the hearts of all who knew her. Her life was filled with creativity, kindness, and an unmistakable passion for bringing people together through food.

In the kitchen, Jessica found her calling. She had a remarkable ability to transform simple ingredients into dishes that felt like home, her meals nourished the body and spirit. Cooking was her art and way of showing love. Anyone fortunate enough to sit at her table knew that each plate ws prepared with intention, joy and a spark of her vibrant personality.

Beyond her talent, Jessica will be remembered for her unwavering compassion. She listened deeply, cared fiercely, and always seemed to know when someone needed comfort.

She never had children of her own. For a brief part of her life she was blessed with helping Robert Lopez raise and care for his daughters Kira and Michaela. She loved these girls so much. She also had fur babies. Tokei was her dog who she adored! He passed away last year. Poe and Omen (aka her stinky boys) were her most recent babies who she spoiled and loved dearly. They returned the love and comforted her.

Jessica left this world too soon. She had so many plans. She was working on getting a contract to run the kitchen at the VFW. She had the ability to run any restaurant and took pride in her talent and abilities.

Jessica was preceded in death by her Great Grandparents, Fred and Williebelle Martin, Salustino and Juanita Martinez; Grandparents Kenneth and Patricia Perraglio and Marina Martinez. Paternal uncles Juan (Veronica), Howard, George and Modesto Jr. (Joann) Martinez. She was preceded in death by numerous beloved family members and friends.

Jessica is survived by her Grandfather Modesto Martinez, her loving parents Jerry and Darby Martinez, brothers Nathaniel Martinez; Timothy Martinez (Lesley) and their children Keanu, Kiah, Kenny and Kaleb; Joshua (Crystal) and their children Makayla, Jamesen, Armando, Esperanza and Crusito. Maternal Uncles and Aunts, Randy and Linda Perraglio and their children, Amy Lynn, Vincent (Jeric) and Brandon; Tracy and Lisa Perraglio and their children, Shawn (Amelia), Ariel, and Adelina (Tanner). Paternal Uncles and Aunts, Maria Martinez (Jake d.) and their children Arthur and Joan Medina and family; David Martinez (Pauline) and their children David Jr. and Robert (d.) and familes; Diane Martinez (Howard d.) and their children Joe Howard (d) Christopher (d) and Amanda and their families; Michael Martinez (Karen) and their children Elicka, Julian and Daniel and their families; Inez Valencia (Edward) and their children Michelle and Rachel and their families; Leonard Martinez (Denise) and their family Leonard Jr., Tanya, Alejando (d), Angelique and their families; Melvin Martinez (Jean) and their family; Angela Trujillo (Jerry Jr.) and special friends Robert Lopez and Allan Houle and many loving family and friends.

The family would like to extend their gratitude for the beautiful outpouring of love and sentiment during this difficult time.

The family will host a celebration of life for our beloved Jessica at Fuller Lodge beginning with a memorial service and followed by a meal. Jessica’s request if she passed was to have a big meal and serve all her family and friends. So please plan to join us and share stories and to meet family and friends and remember her with love.

The Celebration will be Sunday, November 30, 2025,. The Memorial Service at 1:00 pm – 2:00 p.m. with the meal following from 2:00 to 4:30. The venue is Fuller Lodge located at 2132 Central Ave. Los Alamos, NM 87544.

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