Sylvia M. Martin, 87 and a lifetime resident of Velarde, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2009 following a short illness. Sylvia, a loved and revered member of her community, was preceded in death by husband, Mike (Miguel) Martinez; son, Joseph Martinez; daughter-in-law, Janelle Martinez; brothers, Ramon and Jerry Martinez; sisters, Josefina Martinez and Adela Casados; brothers-in-law, Fermin, Canuto and Pablo Martinez, Amadeo Montoya and Toby Carrillo; sisters-in-law, Juanita (Jenny) Martinez, Aleja (Alice) Lopez, Delfina Martinez, Lucia Martinez, Josie Carrillo and Elvira Martinez.
A loving and devoted mother, Sylvia is survived by daughter Evelyn Maruska of Velarde, NM; sons Celso Martinez and wife Pattie of Lakewood, Ca.; Michael Martinez of Velarde; grandchildren, Jacquelyn Maruska of Nashville, Tenn.; Sylvia Martinez of Lakewood, Ca.; Kristin Maruska of Las Cruces, NM; Carlos Martinez of Portland, Oregon; Nicholas Martinez of Anchorage, Alaska.; Megan Martinez of Velarde; Joe Martinez and wife Rebecca of Oceanside, Ca.; Robin Martinez of Velarde; Jamie Martinez of Espanola; Michael Martinez II of Velarde; great-grandson, Steven Martinez of Lakewood, Ca., two sisters, Olivia Martinez and Rose Montoya of Velarde and many nieces and nephews.
Sylvia Martinez led a life that brought encouragement, laughter, love, kindness and care to many, over her 87 years. She will fondly be remembered as a generous and loving mother and grandmother with a witty sense of humor, bright eyes, warm smile and tender heart.
Public visitation for Sylvia Martin was held at DeVargas Funeral Home on Sunday, January 4, 2009 from 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary and wake service at 6:00 p.m.
Mass and Catholic burial was Monday, January 5, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Velarde, NM with burial following at the Velarde Catholic Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers were Celso Martinez, Michael Martinez, Joseph Martinez, Nicholas Martinez, Carlos Martinez, Michael Martinez II, Steven Martinez and Dennis Salazar.