In Loving Memory of Donna Gillespie Martin

Donna Gillespie Martin, age 66, passed away on April 14, 2019. She was born on January 26, 1953, in Raton, NM, to Andy and Barbara Gillespie. It was a family affair, as her maternal grandfather, Dr. Harold “Pappy” Donovan delivered her. She grew up in Raton, graduated from Raton High School in 1972, and spent a year at Arizona State University. Not loving the big city, she moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado where she met the love of her life, Donald Martin. Don and Donna married at the United Methodist Church in Raton on June 6, 1975. Her pride and joy, Jesse Martin, was born on September 12, 1978.
Don and Donna ultimately moved to Albuquerque where Donna worked for Presbyterian Health Care for several years and from where she ultimately retired.
For those who knew Donna, her priority in life was clear – family – her north star. There is nothing she would not do for any member of her family. Donna was caring, funny, smart as a whip, and the best friend one could have. She had the voice of an angel and a heart of gold.
In heaven, she will join her parents, Andy and Barbara Gillespie; maternal grandparents, Harold “Pappy” Donovan, Irene Donovan, and Dolly Donovan; paternal grandparents, Elma (Mamo) and Thomas (Papo) Gillespie; maternal aunts and uncle Harold (Hal) Donovan and his wives Carmen and Jeannie; and paternal uncles Cletis Gillespie and Jack Weldon.
Donna is survived by her devoted husband, Donald R. Martin of Rio Rancho, NM; son Jesse Martin and his wife Marika, son Dustin, and daughter Shelby, Armed Forces currently stationed in Germany; sister Carol Gillespie Smallwood and her husband Bill and daughter Melissa of Phoenix, AZ; plus many cousins and friends.
Services will be on May 1, 2019 at 1:00 at Yaksich – Long Funeral Home, 1310 S. 2nd Street, Raton, NM.
Donna left this world way too early and will be greatly missed. Donations in celebration of Donna’s rich life can be made to her favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.