Lupe Martinez

Lupe Martinez, 89, of Los Ojos, NM, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at her daughter Philo’s home with her family by her side. Lupe was born in Tierra Amarilla on April 10, 1930 to Santiago and Juanita Garcia. Lupe was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Theodoro “Ted” Martinez; siblings, Tony Garcia, Leontina Quintana, Gertrude Marker, Cristella Binion and Filiberto Garcia.

Lupe is survived by her sister, Gloria Chacon; 8 children, Victoria Torrez (Reyes), Juanita Jebbanema (Jim), Yolanda Cano (Jose), Santiago Martinez (Chena), Ramona Felix Nick), Bernadette Salcido (Anthony), Philomena “Philo” Martinez and Matthew Martinez. 13 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and other numerous relatives and friends.

Lupe was first and foremost a devout Catholic and a pillar of faith. She was an extremely devoted and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. She was very proud of her family and was always delighted to spend hours baking, cooking and preparing warm and homey meals for them. Her tortillas, natillas, biscochitos, empanaditas, pastelitos and carne adovada were just some of her family’s favorites.

Lupe was a dedicated, loyal and hard worker. She worked as a cook for the Los Ojos Catholic Schools, Tierra Amarilla Schools, served as a recorder for Northwest Abstract Company and as a housekeeper for Corkins Lodge for 47 years.

Her feisty, witty, good sense of humor and golden heart are just some of the magnificent characteristics she will always be remembered for.

Lupe’s love for each one of her grandchildren was special but, the love she carried for her great-grandchildren was remarkable as each one had a very, very special place in her heart.

Public visitation will begin on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory with a rosary to follow at 6:30 p.m. A second public visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at the Santo Niño Catholic Church in Tierra Amarilla with a rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 16, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Santo Niño Catholic Church in Tierra Amarilla with a burial to follow at the Los Ojos Catholic Cemetery. Serving the family as pallbearers are Joseph Romero, Andrea Martinez, Nick Felix II, Trini Gallegos, Aban Jebbanema (deployed), Anthony Romero and Erikka Martinez. Honorary pallbearers are Sonya Torrez, Maria Romero, Nicole Felix, David Romero, AJ Salcido, Matthew Martinez Jr. and her great-grandchildren, Tom “Tomas” Melk, Sarah Potter and Tony Abeyta. All flowers may be delivered to DeVargas Funeral Home.

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