Olivama A. Martinez

Earth has one less soul and heaven one more Angel with the passing of Olivama A. Martinez. Olivama returned to her heavenly home on April 18, 2015. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her and ultimately gave her peace. Olivama was born on June 23, 1924 in Truchas, New Mexico to Primitivo and Rebecca R. Archuleta. Olivama married Ernest Martinez and enjoyed over 50 years of marriage until his passing on May 31, 2005. Olivama was a woman ahead of her time, earning a Bachelor’s Degree from Highlands University in English and Math, and advanced degrees from UNM and the University of Denver in Administration and Library Science. An advocate of education, Olivama began her career as a teacher of English and Math with the Rio Arriba County School System. Olivama was a long time Librarian for the Espanola Public Schools; her last position was as the Media Director. Upon retirement she served as a Lobbyist as well as continuing to volunteer her time to numerous organizations including AARP, New Mexico Association of Educational Retirees, the Republican Party, Espanola Hospital, Adult reading programs and in April 2014 she was reappointed to the City of Espanola Library Board on which she had served since 1962. Olivama was a staunch advocate for nursing home patient rights, educators and retirees for which she was the recipient of numerous service awards. Olivama was a member of Sacred Heart Parish where she taught Catechism and served as a Lector. Olivama is survived by her children, Michael Martinez and spouse Lorraine, her daughter Linda Martinez-Palmer and spouse Michael Palmer. Her grandchildren, Nicholas Martinez and fiancée Alecia Maes, Meaghan Martinez-Palmer and Camille Brown and husband Danny. She was loved by her four great- grandchildren, Marcos and Aveaha Martinez and Chloe and Isaiah Brown. Olivama leaves behind her best friend, Glorianna Atencio and husband Willie Atencio. Olivama was the eldest of 13 children of whom she is survived by her siblings, Jenny Nolan, Frutoza Lopez, Joe M. Archuleta and spouse Josie, Louise Giron, Lydia Riley and spouse Ralph, Diane Archuleta, Sam Archuleta, and Irma and husband Joe Fernandez. She leaves behind two aunts, Mary Lopez and Grace Guiterrez, sisters and brother in law, Lydia Martinez, Emma Lopez and Bedelio Martinez, as well as numerous beloved cousins, nieces and nephews and her loving and devoted caretakers, Dora Pacheco, Leandra Alvarado and Emelda. Public visitation will begin on Wednesday, April 22, 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 Thursday, April 23, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. also at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Española. Burial to follow at 1:30 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. The family of Olivama A. Martinez has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.

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