Sylvia Martinez

In Sylvia Martinez, 93, of Fairview, NM went to be with our Lord on Sunday, August 3, 2025. She passed peacefully surrounded by family.

Sylvia was born on November 17, 1931, in Canjilon, NM to Lauriano and Sophia Olguin. She was raised with the help of Aunt Fedelina Duran in Tierra Amarilla, NM and was a graduate of Tierra Amarilla High School. Sylvia worked in a variety of industries including the El Vado Inn.

She met the love of her life, Praxedez Martinez, and married on October 24, to 1964. They lived in Colorado for 6 years and upon returning to NM, settled in the Ranchitos area of Española, NM where they raised two sons. In Española, Sylvia worked as a nanny for several children she grew to love.

As a devout member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Sylvia was a God-fearing woman who prayed the rosary daily. When she was not watching her favorite soap operas, Sylvia watched or listened to the Catholic EWTN programming. She selflessly always placed family above herself, and loved cooking, going for rides to the mountains and talking with family and friends. She had a great memory filled with many stories; those with whom she spoke were in for hours of great conversations.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Praxedez Martinez; infant daughter Maria; parents Lauriano and Sofia Olguin; parents-in-law Margarita and Antonio Vigil, aunt Fedelina Duran; sisters Martina Esquibel and Marañita Romero; brothers Chano Olguin, Johnny Olguin, Max Maes, and Seturnino Maes; and sisters-in-law Celestina (Juanito) Maes, Emilia (Tiburcio) Vigil, and Celina (Mague) Martinez.

Sylvia is survived by her sons Roman Martinez and David Martinez (Melissa); granddaughters Raquel Martinez and Juliana Martinez; sisters Dorothy (Gene) Martinez, Lonnie (Climaco) Martinez, and Livia Olguin; brothers Salvador Olguin and Leo (Earlene) Olguin; sister-in-law Beatrice (Fermin) Perea; cousin Rosalie (Dan) Bustos; and numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

A rosary will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz, New Mexico, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 10:00 am, with Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 am. Burial will be at Canjilon Cemetery in Canjilon, New Mexico. 

Serving as pallbearers are Roman Martinez, David Martinez, Emiliano Salazar, Dickie Vigil, Joel Vigil, and Larry Martinez.

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