Manuelita Medina

MANUELITA “MELA” MEDINA, was born in Piedra Lumbre, NM on March 8, 1917, to Juan and Donicia (Baca) Martinez and went home to the Lord on Sunday, June 5, 2016. She was one of eight children and was the last surviving member of the original Martinez family. Manuelita was raised by her grandparents and her beloved Uncle Benigno Baca. She also had thirteen half-brothers and sisters whom she loved, many of whom are still living and who regarded Mela as the matriarch of the family. Mela as she preferred to be called, married Trinidad Medina on December 14, 1939, at Santa Clara Catholic Church in Wagon Mound. Together they raised two sons, Lawrence, Frank, and one daughter, Eileen. In her prime, Mela helped run the family business, Medina’s Bar. She was devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was an amazing homemaker known for her delicious meals and baked goods, beautiful sewing and crocheted handiwork, and for her pleasant and outgoing personality. Some of her spirit was dimmed when her son, Frank, and later her husband, Trinidad, were called to their heavenly home, but her faith in God and her love of Mass and Prayer remained strong. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Siblings and many other dear relatives. In addition to her son, Lawrence (Pat) and daughter, Eileen, Mrs. Medina is survived by and was the proud grandmother, of 8 grandchildren, Gary (Susan), Karen (Jon), Deanna (Josh), Gina, Frank Jr., (Leslie), Trina (Jon), Tom (Diane), Elena (Julian), 18 great-grandchildren, Phillip, Emily (Jonathan), Connor, Cali, Ellie and Owen, Amanda and Gregory, Sarah, (Jonathan), Jennifer, Brandon (Amanda) Jessica, Andrew-Jon, DeAndra, Erika (Paul), Elissa, Darren and Ashlee, great-great-grandchildren, Kayla, Madison, Chloe, Autumn, Eliahana, Emmit, Paul Thomas and Rylee; Paul Chavez and Susan Medina and many nieces, nephews; God-children, siblings on both her paternal and maternal sides. In 2009 Mela moved to Velarde, NM where she lived with her daughter. She participated in the Rio Arriba Senior Day Care Program in Espanola. She also became a member of San Juan Bautista Catholic Church in San Juan Pueblo. Most recently, Mela was a resident at the Espanola Valley Nursing Home. A heartfelt appreciation is felt for the staff at the EVNH and the staff at Del Corazon Hospice for their immense support and care. Public visitation will begin on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. Santa Clara Catholic Church in Wagon Mound, followed by a rosary at 12:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. Burial to follow at the Santa Clara Cemetery in Wagon Mound. Serving the family as pallbearers, Tom Chavez, Jon and Andrew –Jon Cisneros, Frank Medina Jr., PFC Darren Montoya (in Absentia), Julian Valdez, Benny Baca and Josh Brown. The family of Manuelita Medina 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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