Anita M. Martinez

Anita M. Martinez, 90, was led by the angels to her heavenly Father on Wednesday, April 15, 2015. A lifelong resident of Alcalde, she died at her home; the home that she loved. Anita was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years Juan E. Martinez, her parents Trinidad and Camilo E. Medina, Sr. – in-laws, Silviana and Antonio Medina - sisters, Irene, Josephine and husband Pete, Frances and husband Joe and Lizzie – brothers Edward and wife Aurora and Camilo, Jr., beloved niece Bernice and several other relatives and friends. \r\nAnita graduated from Santa Cruz High School and upon graduation, moved temporarily to Chula Vista, CA, where she and her sisters Frances and Lizzie worked as the iconic Rosie the Riveter’s, to help support the family. Her heart brought her back to Alcalde where she married her Juan and together they raised their family in the home which Juan built and where he also passed away. Anita attended Highlands University, worked for the State of New Mexico and throughout the years was a substitute teacher for the Espanola Public School system. Anita was instrumental in establishing the Alcalde Community Water Assoc. and for over 25 years operated the business portion of the association out of her home together with her husband.\r\nAnita was a devout Catholic. She served her parish of San Juan Bautista as a CCD teacher, RCIA instructor, Eucharistic minister, liturgy reader, Altar Rosary Society and choir member and as a celadora for the Holy Family society. Anita would also distribute Communion at the hospital in Espanola.\r\nAnita was also a staunch Republican – following in the footsteps of her father. She served as a county party officer, precinct chairman and many years as an election official. She was very proud to have at one time, hosted a luncheon for the Honorable Sen. Pete Dominici and Sen. Mark Hatfield of Oregon, in her home.\r\nAnita was lovingly cared for by several “angels” – Sofia, Martha, Kate, Mary Helen, Ashley, Nora, Nancy and Janice. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Addus Home Health Care and all the staff at Amber care.\r\nShe will be greatly missed by her children and family but her presence and the life values and love of God that she instilled in her family, will always remain.\r\nThose waiting to be reunited with her someday are sons Roger, David, Paul and wife Yvonne – daughters Kathy and husband Tito, Theresa and Anita’s beloved cat, Tanner. She is also survived by her grandchildren Joseph and wife Sandra, Elizabeth and fiancé Rob, Kim and husband Jeremiah and Camille and husband Waylon. Great grandchildren Sophia, Annaleisa, Charlotte, Kayleigh, Christopher and Michael. Other survivors include her brother-in-law Ross Medina, sister-in-law Lorraine Martinez, Dora Medina, beloved nephews, nieces, godchildren and other relatives and friends.\r\nPublic visitation will begin on Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory, with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m.\r\nMass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 20, 2015 at San Juan Bautista Catholic Church, in San Juan Pueblo at 10 AM. With Fr. Larry Brito, Pastor and invited clergy will preside, with a burial to follow at the La Villita Catholic Cemetery.\r\nCarrying Anita to her final resting place will be James Martinez, Walt Nolting, Michael Martinez, Andrew Medina, Walter Medina and Pete Lowe.\r\nThe family of Anita M. Martinez have entrusted the care of their precious Anita to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley.\r\n

---