Alice R. Martinez

Alice R. Martinez, 88, Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Sister and Friend passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2024.

Alice was born to Enrique and Victoriana Rodriguez on August 23, 1935, in Espanola, New Mexico.  After graduating from Espanola High School in 1954, she began her beautiful life’s journey filled with family she cherished and lifelong friendships.

On June 21, 1958, Alice married her life partner, Robert H. Martinez, and started her own family.  Together they welcomed three children and raised them at the family home in La Mesilla.  Many adventures were to follow for the family of five which then grew to include precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Mom Alicia became Grandma Alice and took on that role with a passion, some have called her a “professional grandmother.”  

She was known to be very disciplined, reliable, and a caretaker to all – never resting until all around her were comfortable and completely satisfied.  A woman of sharp wit, admittedly blunt, but always and without fail a woman who loved deeply.

Alice’s faith in her Lord and deep devotion to Our Blessed Mother was of utmost importance to her.  She was one of the first members of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas at Holy Cross Court, a member of the La Mesilla Cenacle, opened her home to the Holy Family Shrine and had a designated hour for Adoration at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at the Sacred Heart Church for decades.  Praying the rosary was part of her daily routine and included prayers for hundreds of individuals.

Throughout her life, Alice developed many close friendships including high school classmates, members of the bowling and women’s volleyball leagues she participated in, and those she worked with.   Many mornings were spent walking with friends for exercise and thoughtful prayer.  She always joined in bringing her fellow Hornets together every 10 years for class reunions.  The years were filled with many family vacations, cruises with friends, trips to Spain, Italy and Nicaragua.

Alice is now reunited in heaven with her husband Robert and others that have passed; infant grandson Jason Martinez; parents Enrique and Victoriana Rodriguez; sister Christine Mascareñas; parents-in-law Ramon and Elvira Martinez; brothers-in-law Ramon Martinez, Ernesto Martinez, Jose Martinez, Amabilis Mascareñas, Guy Stone, Art McClure and Vanner Holmes; sisters-in-law Lea McClure, Josie Stone, Eloisa Martinez and Alice Valdez Martinez.

Alice is survived by her children Eva Montoya and husband Frank, Robert and wife Charlene, Ralph and wife Rebecca; grandchildren Stefani Martinez-Leyba (James), Estevan Martinez, Jessica Martinez, Joseph Beauregard, Frank Montoya Jr. (Christina), Jeremiah Montoya, Ernesto Martinez, Cody Chavez and Tito Wood; great grandchildren Sean Pacheco, Marques Martinez, Mateo Martinez, Frankie-Jean Montoya, Amanda Montoya and Elizabeth Jaymes Montoya; brother Manuel Rodriguez (Louisa); sisters-in-law Carol Lovato (Lee), Hilda Roybal and Jeannie Martinez. 

Funeral will be held at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada on Monday, June 17, 2024. The Rosary will begin at 11:00 a.m., Funeral Mass at 12:00 p.m. followed by a meal at The Delta. Burial at the National Cemetery will be on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 1:30 p.m.  

The family of Alice R. Martinez has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.  www.devargasfuneral.com   505-747-7477