Clara Martinez

CLARA D. MARTINEZ, 88 a resident of Chimayo was called to the Lord after a lengthy illness on Thursday, August 31, 2017.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Tribinio Martinez; her parents, Benito and Juanita Duran; sister, Fidelia Rodriguez; brothers, Samuel, Claudio and Manuel Duran; father-in-law, Bernabel Martinez; mother-in-law, Antonia Martinez, nephew, Manuel Martinez (raised like a son) and many other relatives and friends.  Clara D. Martinez was born on April 17, 1929 in Pagosa Springs, Colorado and was raised in Santa Cruz, NM.  In 1945, she met the love of her life and moved to Chimayo where they raised their six children.  Clara enjoyed being outdoors, and took pride in her beautiful flower garden.  She enjoyed camping, sewing, and especially enjoyed cooking delicious meals for her family.  She loved ensuring everyone around her had a full tummy including the workers at her husband’s automotive shop. She also enjoyed spontaneous road trips with her husband and family, Clara was great at packing up at the drop of a dime.  Clara was a head cook at Chimayo Elementary where she retired after 25 years of service. She will be greatly missed. She is survived by her children, Evie (Dennis) Chavez, Gloria Martinez, Ercilia “Ercie” (JD) Martinez, Marshall (Gloria) Martinez, Lollie (Toby) Martinez, Dennis (Loretta) Martinez; grandson, DJ (Audrey) Martinez (raised like a son), 17 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Benji (Cynthia) Duran and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Public visitation will begin on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 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. Mass of Christian burial to be celebrated on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Chimayo. Burial to follow at Nuestra Señora de Dolores Cemetery in Chimayo. The family of Clara D. Martinez has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477

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