Pauline Martinez

Pauline Martinez, of Espanola, age 77, was called home by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ January 23, 2024. 

Pauline is preceded in death by her husband of 27 years, Anthony Martinez, in December 2022; son Darren Lopez; parents Eduardo and Lola Maestas; brothers Silvie and Oliver Maestas; and sisters Amy (Mike) Manning and Lorraine (Bill) Elliott. Pauline is survived by her children, Shelly and husband Jerry Landwehr of Las Vegas, NV; Carlo Lopez of La Puebla and fiancée Judy Roybal; grandchildren Jaimie Casias and fiancé Joshua Silva, Jenesis Landwehr and Gabriella Lopez of Las Vegas, NV; Adrian Lopez of Espanola; Erica (Anthony) Valdez, Matthew Lopez and Brandon Cordova, Andrew Lopez and Jaylyn of Cuarteles; 4 great-grandsons and 3 great-grand-daughters; sisters Lucy (Jim) Schwank of Spring Hill, TN, Helen (Jim) Whitfill, of Santa Fe, Eva (Kenny) Abshire of Edgewood, and brother Rudy Maestas of Pojoaque; sisters-in-law Kathy, Joyce, Ashley and Cynthia; mother-in-law Miguelita, close friends Darlene and Bobby Holt and numerous other friends and relatives. 

She was a 1964 graduate of Espanola High School, Home of the Hornets, where she was a majorette. Pauline performed with her baton at family gatherings and community events throughout her life, and last performed in 2015 at the Farewell Ceremony for Espanola High School. Pauline received a bachelor’s degree from the College of Santa Fe and went on to earn a master’s degree from Highlands University and later was a certified licensed alcohol and drug counselor. She was employed by the State of New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory, as a counselor in Las Vegas, New Mexico and at Ayudantes in Espanola in addition to performing pro bono work. 

Pauline was involved in her community, organizations and events such as Stop the Violence, Fight 4 Life, and served as a member of the Behavioral Health Board, having been appointed by then Gov. Susana Martinez. One of Pauline’s proudest achievements was graduating from Victory Outreach Women’s Home. Pauline was fun, friendly, energetic, and creative. She was a great cook and loved to bake, eat, sing, and dance. Most importantly Pauline was a woman of God, strong in her faith and fearless in sharing the Gospel. The Lord has welcomed Pauline into His kingdom.

Services are Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 10:30 am at The Rock Christian Church in Espanola, NM.

 Honorary pallbearers are her grandsons Eric, Anthony, Matthew, Andrew, Adrian, and her son-in-law Jerry. 

The family of Pauline 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