Maria Martinez

Maria “Mary” A. Martinez, 58, of Chama, New Mexico, was welcomed into the gates of heaven on Sunday, December 19, 2021. Mary was a very caring and loving mother, grandmother, companion, sister, aunt, and friend. Mary was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Julian & Andrea (Romero) Martinez, her mother whom she adored, Adela Martinez, her stepfather, Max Salazar, her sister Stella (Martinez) Chavez, her nephew Michael “Mikie” Jaramillo, and brother-in-law, Bryan Cage.

Those who knew Mary and had the opportunity of being welcomed into her home knew that there was always a comfortable place to rest your head, a warm meal in the kitchen, and westerns on the TV next to a warm fire. People would visit Chama with the intention of stopping by to see Mary and get a dose of the love and compassion she gave to everyone.

After high school, she began a career in the restaurant industry as a waitress in many of the restaurants in Chama. She did that while she raised three boys. She then began her forever and most fulfilling job as a cook at the Rio Arriba County Detention Center in Tierra Amarilla. Mary had an amazing gift of being able to connect with many of the detention officers and inmates that were there during her 16-year career. When she wasn’t working, you could find her sitting in her living room, watching The Walton’s or The High Chaparral and working on quilts or spending time with her grandkids. Mary will be greatly missed, especially by her sons, Eddie, her family, and friends.

Mary is survived by her greatest accomplishments, her sons, Joshua (Jasmine) of El Paso, TX, JR of Denver, CO, and Matthew (Kayla) of Chama, NM. Her companion of 25 years, Eddie Martinez of Chama, NM. Her grandkids whom she adored, Christopher, Jaydn, Joshie, Felicity (Sissy), Lluvia, Noah, Kyler, and Destany. Her siblings Mattie Martinez, Michael Martinez, JoAnne (Ben) Martinez, and Dorella (Willie) Trujillo, and brother-in-law, Shorty Chavez. Her uncle Leroy Martinez. Numerous nieces, nephews, and Godchildren. Her dear sister, Esther DeYapp.

Services are as follows. Masks are required. Rosary will be recited at St. Patrick’s Church in Chama, NM on Friday, December 31, 2021 at 10:00am. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Church in Chama, NM on Friday, December 31, 2021 at 11:00am. Burial will be following the funeral mass at the Los Ojos Cemetery in Los Ojos, NM. Funeral reception will be following the burial at the St. Patrick’s Parish Hall.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are her grandchildren, Christopher, Jaydn, Joshie, Felicity (Sissy), Lluvia, Noah, Kyler, and Destany.

The family of Maria “Mary” A. Martinez has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory of the Espanola Valley 505-747-7477 www.devargasfuneral.com