Maria Victoria (Mary V.) Martinez was born November 17, 1930 to Samuel Grant and Beatrice Romero in Raton. She passed away on January 11, 2011 in Colorado Springs.
She married the love of her life Ernie, on September 4, 1949. Together they shared many happy years. Throughout the years, we have treasured the memories of mom and dad; him playing the guitar and both singing “How much is that doggie in the window” and “Are you mine?”, while mom made tortillas. Maria and Ernie had six children, 3 boys and 3 girls, Ernest Lee, Dee, Sol, Samuel, Theresa, and Susie.
Over the years, Maria worked at a number of local businesses including the original Miner’s Hospital where she was a nurse assistant. She waited tables at the Colt Restaurant, was a paramutual ticket sales cashier at the La Mesa Park. She worked on the line soldering radio parts at ARF and as a line worker at Erie Scientific, but Maria’s most important job was being a Mom, grandmother and great-grandmother. She has been a true inspiration for each of us.
Maria was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Beatrice, her step-father Juan Valdez, husband Ernest, Son Ernest Le, brother Roger, brothers in Law Albert and Desi, sister-in-law Lydia and grandsons Basilio Marquez and John Paul Quintana.
Survivors include her children: Dolores (James) Marquez of Raton, NM, Solomon (Sharon) Martinez of Colorado Springs, CO, Samuel (Caroline) Martinez of Albuquerque, NM, Theresa (Victor) Duran of Raton, NM, Susie (Fabian) Quintana of Edgewood, NM. Grandchildren: Bonnie Tollefson, Las Vegas Nevada, Brittany Martell of Canyon City, CO, Rebecca Martinez of Littleton, CO, J.B Marquez of Raton, NM, Victoria (Brad) Bealmear of Amarillo, TX, John (Dinger) (Diane) Martinez of Phoenix, AZ, Edward (Amanda) Martinez of Raton, NM, Robin Martinez, (Ryan Middlebrook) Raton, NM, Tautiana Martinez (Josh Warren) of Colorado Springs, CO, Celina (Jimmy) Apodaca of Springer, NM, Cassandra Martinez, of Raton, NM, Christian Martinez (Janell Casias ) of Trinidad, CO, Connie Martinez, (Matt Trujillo) of Raton, NM, Christopher Martinez of Virginia Beach, VA, Albert Ortiz (Tiffany Osborn) of Raton, NM, Jackie Ortiz of Raton, NM, Amber Rivas (Troy Espinoza) of Trinidad, CO, Joseph (Antoinette) Quintana of Albuquerque, NM, and 36 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are daughter-in-law Janet, brother in -law John Tafoya, sisters in law Bertha (Birdie) Torrez, Candeleria Martinez and Teri Cordova. Last, but certainly not least Maria leaves behind her beloved “Sissy” Bea Sandoval, her adopted children and best neighbors ever Steve and Laurie Garcia and per partner in crime and constant companion Lucy Dog.
Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary will be Friday January 20th, 2017 at St. Patrick’s/St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, followed by a Solemn Mass of the Resurrection at 2:00 P.M. With Father Daniel Balizan. Rite of committal and interment will follow immediately at Mount Calvary Cemetery.
Funeral arraignments for Maria Victoria ( Mary V.) Martinez are under the direction of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.
