Betty Alarid

Betty M. Alarid, a resident of Espanola (San Pedro) passed away on Sunday March 6, 2022. She was preceded in death by by her parents Eduardo and Elma (Florez) Martinez, Frank Alarid her husband of 66 years, a daughter Rose Marie; grandson Francisco Martinez, brothers Roy and Bobby Martinez, sister Gloria Montoya, Uncles; Enrique, Antonio, Luis and Adolfo Martinez, Nat Flores and Palomon Santistevan, Aunts; Margaret Santistevan, Fannie Martinez, Susanna Martinez and Alice Martinez, sisters-in-law Beverly Martinez and Anna Martinez. as well as Micaelita Martinez- Sanchez.

Betty is survived by her brother Tom Martinez, son Edward Alarid (Sally), Elma Jean Bessette (Terry), Joanna Alarid (Fermin Montoya), Susan Alarid (David Valdez), Diana Alarid Martinez (Ernest Martinez), Barbara Alarid and sister-in-law Betty Martinez. GRANDCHILDREN Jon Javier (Shellie) Alarid, Juliet (Sam) Carmona, Colbi Bessette, Greg Bessette, Geneen (Rodney) Martinez, Tessa (Chris) Lucero, Alisha (Lloyd) Duran, Zach Song, Shane Song, Brittany Martinez, Alexandria (Ian) Martinez. GREAT GRANDCHILDREN Christian Alarid, Emma Alarid, Aliyana Carmona, Lucas Carmona, Isaiah Martinez, Jontelle Martinez, Logan Martinez, Joshua Lucero, GianCarlo Lucero, Aujolique Lucero, Destiny Duran, Melayah Duran, Lyrik Duran, and the baby Saphira Robinson.

Betty grew up in Taos during the great depression and could chop wood with refined skill and speed. At the age of 9, she became responsible for caring, protecting, and feeding her sister and two brothers. She has help from relatives. The family was eventually split up in the early forties. Betty went to live with her grandmother Emilia Martinez who raised this beautiful teenager. She employed with the telephone company as an operator. She married this handsome young man Frank Alarid, and they settled in San Pedro. Betty and frank raised seven children magnificently. Betty was a talented cook, seamstress, and kept a busy happy home for her family. She was the disciplinarian and kept everybody in line. Her dedication to the Catholic faith was always a priority. The family prayed together. Mom and Dad instilled this upon their children.

In 1998, she had a severe stroke that totally changed her life. She had many health setbacks and partial paralysis but dealt with them bravely. She never drove a car or cooked a meal again. These were the hardest things she had to accept. Betty was never alone; she had a family. She was always happy. The last six years, her health declined. Her children planned and shared care duties 24/7 to keep her going. They did an unbelievable job. Zach, Betty’s grandson, cared for his grandma for 13 months, she was his only ‘Grandma Patrol’ client. Terry, Fermin and Lloyd were critical helpers. We thank Ambercare for their hospice guidance and the temporary care givers.

Pallbearers are Jon Javier Alarid, Greg Bessette, Zach Song, Shane Song, Joshua Lucero and GianCarlo Lucero. Betty’s honorary pallbearers are her grandchildren.

A rosary will be recited at 10:30 am with Mass of the Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 am on March 19, 2022 at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz. Burial will take place at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on April 21, 2022 at 9:45 am

The family of Betty Alarid has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477 www.devargasfuneral.com