Elaine Martinez

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Elaine M. Martinez, on May 14, 2024, in her childhood home following a brief illness. She was born in Fairview on November 30, 1950, and was raised in Alcalde, NM. 

Elaine was preceded in death by her grandparents who helped raise her, Trinidad and Camilo Medina; mother Lizzie Medina; sister Bernice E. Medina-Gutierrez; aunts/uncles Edward and Aurora Medina, Pete and Josephine Medina, Camilo Medina Jr., Joe and Frances Martinez, Juan and Anita Martinez; cousin Paul Martinez; and grandson Allen Sandoval. 

Elaine graduated as a proud Hornet from Espanola High School in 1969 and then attended New Mexico Highland’s University, where she received a degree in Office Administration. Having worked in Los Alamos for over 30 years, our mom developed many friendships that she treasured over the years.

Elaine was independent, strong willed and even stubborn at times, but she also had an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. She was generous, loyal, and brave. She will be remembered for all the heart she shared with her family and friends. She genuinely loved each of them- and if you knew her, you knew she genuinely loved you.

As a woman of faith, our mom attended church every Sunday when she could, was a lector for years, prayed faithfully for her hour of adoration, and volunteered as a counter for her church parish. Her beliefs were a source of strength and courage, especially during these last six months while coping with her illness.

She also treasured close friends Dorothy Serna, Yvonne Martinez, Lena Martinez, Sharon Velarde, Jerry Cordova, Jean Cruz, and Lorraine Serna.

Please join us as we Celebrate the Life of our beloved matriarch. A Rosary will be recited on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 6:00 pm at the DeVargas Funeral Home, in Espanola, NM. Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, June 7, 2024, at 11:00 am at the San Juan Bautista Church in Ohkay Owingeh, NM. A private burial will be held at a later date.

The family would especially like to express their sincere thank you to our mom’s supportive physician Danny Mays and his lovely assistant Gladis, the staff of St. Christus Hospital, Casa Real, Espanola Presbyterian Hospital and Ambercare Home Health and Hospice services. A special thank you to everyone who prayed, reached out via phone call or text, those who brought food by and through simply visiting and sharing memories with our mom. You all deeply touched our hearts through your care and compassion for our Elaine in her times of need. 

Our family would love for our mom to be remembered with funny, strange, or silly stories that celebrate what was good and blessed in her life. In lieu of flowers, please remember her by donating to the following charities: the New Mexico Kidney Foundation (https://nmkidney.org), the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (https://www.jdrf.org) or the Espanola Humane Animal Shelter (https://espanolahumane.org). 

YOU ARE EXTEMELY LOVED AND MISSED, MOM…TIL WE ARE REUNITED ONE DAY

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