Martha J Wright

With heavy hearts we share the passing of our mom, Martha, 84, on Monday, August 17, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her husband Edward (Jody), son Edward (Dino), parents Marcelino and Tonita, sisters Maryann, Lorraine, and Helen, brothers Luciano (Grace), and Marcelino Jr.

Born in Guachupangue, New Mexico, on December 21, 1941, to Marcelino and Tonita Roybal. She is survived by her children: Jerry, Dennis (Anna), Annette (Robert), James; grandchildren: Geraldine (Eric), Isaac, Andrea (Richard), Bryan (Stephanie), and Gabriela; great-grandchildren: Aaleaya, Aaven, Enzo, Brayden, Elijah, and Maya; her brothers: Manuel, Toby, Abel, and Anthony (Alice).

As a child her family moved to Santa Fe where she grew up in the Alto street neighborhood. For over forty-five years, she handmade and sold beautiful jewelry carrying on the Hispanic family traditions of metalwork. She was an artist, icon and fixture on the plaza fighting tirelessly with Jody, Mrs. Mendiola, and Maryann to secure rights for vendors to sell in this historic location. While working as vendors all three women were arrested for selling under the portal at the Museum of New Mexico. Ultimately, their tenacity resulted in the creation of the Santa Fe Plaza Artist Program which exists today as a pathway for artists to earn a living by selling their work on the Plaza. She had an eye for color combinations and would design pieces for Jody, James, and Annette to create. She spent her time in hospice care hoping to one day return to the Plaza, to continue her life’s work. She loved going to the casino, hosting holiday celebrations with her family, and her bi-weekly outings to Costco. Her green chili stew was second-to-none.

Services will be held on Monday, August 31, 2026, at Saint Anne’s Church in Santa Fe, NM, with a Viewing at 8:00 am, Rosary 9:00 am, Catholic Mass at 10:00 am. Burial will be held at Rosario Cemetery at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Martha’s name to your favorite charity or spent at the casino celebrating in her honor.

The Family of Martha Wright has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley 505-747-7477