Dilia Martinez

Dilia Martinez, passed away peacefully in the early morning of August 15th, 2020 at home with her family at her side. She was born in Cuarteles on September 9th, 1940 to Ascension and Esther Martinez.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years Gilberto “Gillie” Martinez, her sons Rodney (Michelle), Tim (Jennifer), Dominic (Stephanie), and Matthew (Tina). She is also survived by ten grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, sisters Adelina Quintana (Tony-deceased), and Amada Villareal (Julian-deceased), and sister-in-law Laura Martinez. She is also survived by her large extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ascension and Esther Martinez, father and mother-in-law Fidel and Fidelita Martinez of Chimayo, siblings Rubel, Ermie, Isabel (Johnny), and Rose, her beloved son Melvin Martinez and grandsons Derek and Devin Martinez.

Dilia worked as a part time substitute teacher and performed secretarial work for the late Doctor Leonard Akes. Dilia was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She treasured her children and grandchildren and embraced every moment with her “babies” as she called them. Dilia loved to cook and was known for her salsas, pots of chile, tortillas which she shared with everyone. Dilia enjoyed traveling with family whether it was to watch one of her grandchildren’s’ games, shopping, eating at one of her favorite restaurants or casinos.

Dilia loved working in the garden with her family, enjoying picking and roasting fresh green chile. Her smile will be missed. She enjoyed practical jokes especially when it came to her husband. She had a positive outlook on life and always looked for the silver lining. Dilia along with her husband always tried to instill strong family values and work ethics in their children, including all the Sacraments of the Church, which has served them well.  Her life and legacy will live on through her family and all whose lives she touched.

Serving as pallbearers will be her grandsons Aaron and James Martinez.  Serving as honorary pallbearers will be her remaining grandchildren Joline, Analicia, Amanda, Ayrissa, Mickey, Alexandria, Dominique and Janai.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 28th at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Parish in Chimayo with interment to follow at Nuestra Señora de Dolores Cemetery in Chimayo. All protocols related to COVID-19 including number of attendees and masks will be followed.All protocols related to COVID-19 including number of attendees and masks will be followed.

In lieu of flowers you may consider donating to any of Dilia’s favorite charities including the Saint Jude Children’s Hospital, Shriner’s, and UNM Children’s Hospital.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank all neighbors, relatives, and friends who have exhibited their love for Dilia by offering support, prayers, and brought food during this time. We also offer our thanks to Ambercare, Hospice, especially nurses Deena, Heather, the Priests and staff at Holy Family Parish and DeVargas Funeral Home. The family of Dilia Martinez has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477-www.devargasfuneral.com

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