Sylvia Martinez

Sylvia Martinez, 93, of Fairview, New Mexico, went to be with our Lord on Sunday, August 3, 2024. She passed peacefully surrounded by friends and family.

Sylvia was born November 17, 1931, in Canjilon, New Mexico, to Lauriano and Sophia Olguin. She was raised with the help of Aunt Fedelina Duran in Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico. She was a graduate of Tierra Amarilla high school. Afterwards, she worked at the El Vado Inn. She went on to work various other jobs prior to meeting the love of her life Praxedez Martinez.

They were married on October 24,1964. They went to live Colorado until they came back to New Mexico to live in Espanola, New Mexico, settling in the Ranchitos area. There they raised two boys. She then became a nanny to several children that she grew to love.

As a devout member of Holy Cross Catholic Church. Sylvia was a God-fearing woman who prayed the rosary daily. She often had EWTN channel playing when not watching her favorite soap operas. She selflessly always placed family above herself. She loved cooking, going for rides to the mountains and talking on the telephone with family and friends. Those with whom she spoke were in for hours of conversation. She had a great memory with so many stories.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband Praxedez Martinez; infant daughter Maria; parents Lauriano and Sofia Olguin; aunt Fedelina Duran; sisters Martina Esquibel and Marañita Romero; and brothers Chano Olguin, Johnny Olguin, Max Maes and Seturnino Maes.

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