Maria Cecilia Martinez

 Maria Cecilia Martinez, age 82, of Los Luceros, NM, went to be with our dear Lord on February 16, 2024.  She passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones.  Cecilia was born to Andres & Olivama Martinez on February 19, 1941.  First and foremost was her strong faith in our Lord and Savior.  She attended mass in Santa Cruz de la Canada on a regular basis.  She rarely ever missed. She loved her family unconditionally and they all loved her the same. She never forgot anyone. She tried to attend every event she was invited to. She will be remembered by being such a sweet, kind hearted woman.  She was retired from the Espanola Public Schools as a Teacher’s Assistant at different Elementary’ s for 30 plus years. After retirement she spent most of her time babysitting her beloved grandchildren. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, watching soap operas, the news and The Price Is Right. She also enjoyed the family Chihuahuas, Chiquita and Precious. Her pets wouldn’t leave her side. She loved her sweets, she had the biggest sweet tooth. She enjoyed when her son-in-law Johnny Sanchez would sing to her while playing his guitar, up until her final days he provided comfort to her through his music. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Perfecta Martinez, brothers Andres, Roman and Jerry Martinez, granddaughter Nicholl Martinez, and numerous other relatives.

Cecilia is survived by her daughters, Annette and husband Johnny Sanchez, Yolanda Martinez, sons Kevin and wife Erica Martinez, Joseph (Chefo) Martinez, Michael (Moreno) Martinez, 12 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and many other relatives. 

A public visitation will take place on Monday February 26, 2024, at 5:00 pm in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory with a rosary to follow at 6:00 pm.  A mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday February 27, 2024, at 11:00 am at Holy Cross Catholic Church with burial to follow at the Holy Cross Cemetery.  

Pallbearers: Michael (Anthony) Martinez Jr., Johnny (Juanito) Sanchez, RJ Trujillo, Joey Martinez, Matthew Duran and Johnathon Sanchez.  

Honorary pallbearers: Berlinda (Berly) Ortiz, Romie Crespin, Lupe Medina, her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The Martinez family would like to express their sincere thanks to Presbyterian Hospice Care Team.  Lilliana, Rosita, and Cha Cha for all the care and love that they provided to our beloved mother. Special thanks to Elsie Martinez for all the help she gave to our mamacita and her mother-in-law which she dearly loved. All the familia who gave food and stopped by to visit her.  Louise Sanchez and Father Sebastian for their prayers.

The family of Maria Cecilia Martinez has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory of the Española Valley 505-747-7477 www.devargasfuneral.com