Cover photo for Nel Martinez's Obituary
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Nel

Nel Martinez

d. March 8, 2020

NEL B. MARTINEZ, 57, a resident of Chimayo passed away after a short illness on Sunday, March 8, 2020. Nel was preceded in death by his brother, Jose S. Martinez, Jr., and sister, Sandra (Vennie) Valdez, both of Chimayo, NM. Grandparents, Demetrio and Eufracia Martinez of Cordova, NM; and Senaida Trujillo of Chimayo, NM.

Nel is survived by his parents, Jose Soliz and Angie Martinez, of Chimayo, NM; Sisters; Darla Vigil and husband Kevin of Cundiyo, NM, and Sadie Chavez of Espanola, NM. Nieces and Nephews; Candyce (Conrad) Valencia, Joshua (Amanda) Vigil, Nic Martinez, Andrea Martinez, Shayna Valdez, Desiree (Josiah) Ochoa, Timothy (Miranda) Vigil, Lucas Gomez, Maryssa Chavez and Isaiah Chavez.

Great Nephews and Nieces; Cedryc, Ceryne, Nyree, EzMae, Taya Grace, Ezra, Danielle, Liam, Deon, Deshaun, Aubrianna and Andrew. Special cousins who were by Nel’s side during his illness; Bettina Martinez and Shirley Martinez of Albuquerque, NM. A Special Aunt to Nel; Fedelina Montalvo of Cordova, NM. A dear and special friend; Angie Martinez of Truchas, NM. Numerous family members and good friends - too many to mention.

Nel graduated from Espanola Valley High school in 1981, and went off to follow his passion of becoming a cosmetologist. In 1985, Nel fulfilled his dream and proudly earned his certification in cosmetology at Vogue College of Cosmetology in Santa Fe, NM. Nel was very well known as one of the best hairdressers. He worked at and managed several salons across Albuquerque and Santa Fe, before settling in Chimayo. In 1990, our talented, loving father Jose Soliz, proudly built a beautiful hair salon in our hometown of Chimayo, NM. Nel along with our sister Sandra, also a cosmetologist, proudly became owners of Hidden Beauty’s Hair Salon. They managed and serviced clients for over 30 years. Nel always went out of his way and made house calls to cut and style hair for the local elderly men and women who weren’t able to come into the salon.

Nel was a generous, kind-hearted soul who loved and adored his family wholeheartedly. Nel loved with his whole heart of gold, and there are many fond memories to remember our Nel. He put others needs before his own and always helped everyone. Nel was a very giving person and loved to buy gifts for everyone. He always had to give you something every time he visited. Nel had a very special friendship and bond with Sister Thelma of Holy Family Parish in Chimayo. He was her hairdresser for the duration she spent in the Holy Family Church and El Santuario of Chimayo. He would go out of his way to pick up Sister Thelma at the church convent and bring her to the salon. He would cut and style her hair, prepared a warm meal for her to eat before he drove her back to the convent. They shared a very special friendship of many long talks and special conversations. Nel loved the Lord and found comfort in reading the bible and praying daily. His faith in God was always demonstrated through his love and kindness, and he found his strength in God. Nel was very dear to the hearts of many as he touched so many lives. We are going to miss Nel, but we find comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering. Our comfort and peace is that Nel is now resting in peace in Heaven and in the arms of his creator and his siblings whom he loved and adored.

There will no longer be a memorial service at the DeVargas Funeral Home this evening Graveside service will still take place on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at El Potrero Cemetery in Chimayo.  Serving the family as pallbearers will be his Nephews; Joshua Vigil, Nic Martinez, Timothy Vigil, Lucas Gomez and Isaiah Chavez. Honorary pallbearers are his Nieces; Candyce Valencia, Andrea Martinez, Desireé Ochoa, Shayna Valdez and Maryssa Chavez and all his Great Nieces and Nephews. Nel’s family has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Nel Martinez, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Graveside Service

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Starts at 10:00 am (Mountain time)

Potrero Catholic Cemetery

NM

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