Maria Crecencia (Chencha) Martinez

MARIA CRECENCIA (CHENCHA) MARTINEZ, 88, a resident of Española, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2015 at the Hacienda Nursing Home following a long period of failing health. Chencha was a graduate of McCurdy High School, Class of 1948. She worked many years as a custodian for the State Capitol Building before retiring. She was also active in the planning of the Veterans Memorial Wall in Española. She was the daughter of the late, Barbarita Martinez and Jose Leon Trujillo. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Jose Martinez; sister, Eliza Vanez and close friend, Senaida Johnson. She loved the music of her heritage and loved to sit and listen to music while watching the crowds dance. Chencha is survived by her children she helped raise, Julian Johnson and Anita Johnson Martinez; nephews, Albert and wife Lois of Massachusetts, Leo and wife Alice of Clearfield, Utah, Joe Martinez of NM; niece, Rosemary Payton of Salinas, CA; 9 great-nieces and nephews and 22 great-great-nieces and nephews. Public visitation will begin on Thursday, April 9, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Española with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial to be celebrated on Friday, April 10, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. also at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Española. Burial to follow at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Española. The family of Maria Crecencia (Chencha) Martinez has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.

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